FC2Video

This extremely rare amateur footage of 1941’s Mardi Gras shows a very different celebration than that of modern day. The footage includes the Krewe of Nor, a children’s krewe, and the Krewe of Venus, which are parade troupes that no longer exist (though the Krewe of Little Rascals currently performs). The elegantly decorated floats are hand-drawn, and usually have only a few people on board. There is no wanton flinging of cheap beads, as beads back then were made of glass and were given out more sparingly. Tantalizing footage of costumed revelers dressed as cowboys, pirates, and clowns dazzle on screen. All in all, this film provides a wonderful nostalgic view of a more elegant and civilized Mardi Gras.