Les Bon Temps Roule! StM Students Celebrate Carnival Season

As the city of New Orleans entered Carnival season, Upper School students prepared to ride in parades all over—from St. Charles to Metairie. In fact, quite a few St. Martin’s students participated in Mardi Gras krewes.

Being a part of a krewe entails more than just riding in a parade. For example, members must attend luncheons, balls, and costume fittings as well.

Sophomore Abby Pean began participating in the Krewe of Mid-City at a young age, starting out as a lady-in-waiting. She then progressed to a junior maid and is currently a maid. Finally, in 2023, she will become the Queen of the Krewe of Mid-City.

Furthermore, Mardi Gras balls play a big role in the experience and culture of Mardi Gras season. At a ball, the court is presented to all of the guests attending; the guest lists consists of family and friends of the krewe.

“You get presented, and then you have a big party,” Pean said. “There’s music, and everyone knows you. It’s just a great experience to have.”

For Sophomore Prudence Dudley, riding in Mardi Gras parades is a family affair. Her older sisters were Queens of the Krewe of Argus, and her father is the King of Argus this year.

“I wanted to follow in my sister's footsteps and leave a mark on New Orleans (…),” Dudley said. “I can’t break that tradition in my family.”

According to Sophomore Alexis Jurisich, one of the best parts of riding in parades is meeting new people and becoming close to them. For her, some of them even become like a second family. These krewes, balls, and parades are all examples of the connected, friendly, and extravagant nature of the New Orleans people, who are members of a community in which tradition is of the utmost importance.