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Mardi Gras in Terrebonne Parish

Every year, crowds of people gather along the streets of Houma to experience a spectacular event- Mardi Gras. They stroll down the street to preserve the history that started in 1947 by King Neptune I, of Mardi Gras.

After the war years, Houma had time for frivolty and fun. In 1947, Houma had its first carnival organization- the Houma-Terrebonne Carnival Club. It later came to be called the Krewe of Houmas, after the local Indian Tribe symbolizing its Krewe Crest.

In 1950 a second group- the Greater Houma Carnival Club was organized. It disbanded but later reorganized in 1959 as the Terre Carnival Club of Houma- Krewe of Terranians.

The krewe of Christopher, which was organized in 1964, holds only a tableau and a ball. Originally members included members of the Knights of Columbus and Husbands of Catholic Daughters.

The ladies' Krewe of Hyacinthians formed in 1951. Their first parade and ball were held on February 21, 1952.

In 1957 members of the Greater Houma Volunteer Fire Company formed the nonparading Krewe of Flames. In 1983, the ladies' Krewe of Aphrodite formed and paraded for the first time.

Through the years, other krewes have formed. They are Hercules, Aquarius, Cleopatra, and Kajuns. The most recent addition was the Krewe of Mardi Gras, formed in 1995.

Every year, the krewes of Houma throw enormous parties. The parties begin with the coming of the carnival season and don't end until Fat Tuesday. The parties are a flurry of presentation dances, parties, and tableaux and balls.

The season accelerates when floats, actually beautifully decorated flat bed trucks, flank the parade route. People go to the streets to await the approaching of parade of krewes.

During these parades are kiss throwing dukes and float riders that hurtle trinkets to spectators below. The parades are lead by shriners on motorcycles and dune buggies, the piercing sirens of police cars; bands and marching units from junior highs and high schools; and spectators clutching armfuls of necklaces.

Throwing trinkets from the float is borrowed from the pagans. The pagans show their appreciation to their gods by throwing flour (the symbol of life) into the fields. Maskers on floats throw to the crowds in appreciation for coming to witness the parade.