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National Krewe of Tucks Day – June 9, 2024

National Krewe of Tucks Day is held every year on June 9 to celebrate the Krewe of Tucks, which is a New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe. The Krewe of Tucks puts having fun above all else. Even though the group has grown, they have made sure to never lose their sense of humor and maintain their “Animal House” reputation. Tucks is popular for its irreverence and for its satirical floats, including the King’s Throne, which is a giant toilet.

History of National Krewe of Tucks Day

Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration. They start on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany, or the Three Kings Day, and culminate on the day preceding Ash Wednesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday. The festival is held in many places around the world but the traditions vary from city to city. The celebrations held in New Orleans, Louisiana are among the most popular ones.

The Krewe of Tucks started in 1969 as a bunch of Loyola University students applied for a permit for the parade. The name Krewe of Tucks comes from the name of the now non-existent Uptown pub Friar Tuck’s where two college students wanted to start their own krewe after they failed at their attempt to become white flambeaux carriers. The flambeau was initially a carrier that served as a beacon for parade-goers in New Orleans to better enjoy the night festivities. Friar Tucks, where it all began, is no longer in business, but the parade rolls on.

The Tucks parade has shown immense growth over the years. Initially, it was a nighttime parade of pick-up trucks. But this was changed to a daytime parade in 1983 and they joined the traditional Uptown to Downtown route in 1986. Even though the group has grown, they have made sure to never lose their sense of humor and maintain their Animal House reputation. Tucks is popular for its irreverence and for its satirical floats, including the King’s Throne, which is a giant toilet. Past Krewe of Tucks’ kings also includes comedic actors like John Candy and Eugene Levy.

National Krewe of Tucks Day timeline

1699
Mardi Gras Comes to America

Mardi Gras arrives in North America on March 3, after French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville holds a small gala.

1703
The First Mardi Gras

The tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrates America's first Mardi Gras.

1718
New Orleans is Born

New Orleans is established by Bienville and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras is celebrated openly in New Orleans.

1969
The Krewe of Tucks

The Krewe of Tucks begins as a bunch of Loyola University students apply for a permit for the parade.

National Krewe of Tucks Day FAQs

How do you join the Krewe of Tucks?

According to their website, there is only one requirement for membership: you want to enjoy yourself, have a great time, and put on a wonderful show for the viewing crowd. There are many other events during the year including food, alcohol, and non-alcoholic beverages. The krewe has both men and women and boasts of over 2,000 members.

What is the oldest krewe in New Orleans?

That would be the Mistick Krewe of Comus, established in 1856. It is the oldest continuous organization of New Orleans Mardi Gras festivities.

What are some of their signature floats?

The Krewe of Tucks has had many iconic floats. Some of them are Ye Olde Outhouse and Ye Royal Bath, which is the only float in Mardi Gras that has a giant functioning slide into a giant hot tub.

National Krewe of Tucks Day Activities

  1. Attend the Mardi Gras parade

    Look up the dates for the Mardi Gras parade and visit New Orleans so you can experience the fun in real life! Enjoy the floats, the nightlife, and all the other exciting stuff the city has to offer.

  2. Live free

    Follow the Krewe of Tucks’ philosophy by embracing the best version of yourself and living freely. Let loose and have fun even if you can’t make it to the parade.

  3. Join the krewe

    Get up close and personal by joining the krewe yourself! According to them, the only requirement to join is wanting to enjoy yourself, have a great time, and put on a magnificent show for the crowds.

5 Facts About Mardi Gras You Didn’t Know

  1. Krewes have different themes each year

    The krewes choose a different theme for their parades every year and some even keep the theme a secret till the parade is rolling.

  2. The magic words to catch all throws

    “Throw Me Something, Mister” are the magic words used to catch all the throws at the parades.

  3. No corporate sponsorships are allowed on floats

    All expenses are paid by krewes and riders as a result of a city ordinance prohibiting Mardi Gras from being commercialized.

  4. Get your makeup on

    All float riders are required by law to wear masks or face paint.

  5. The official colors of Mardi Gras

    Purple means justice, gold displays power, and green signifies faith.

Why We Love National Krewe of Tucks Day

  1. It has a long history

    The Krewe of Tucks has been around for over 50 years and is an important part of the Mardi Gras celebrations. It is a fixture of the event and they take the celebrations very seriously!

  2. They’re fun

    No other krewe has more fun or energy. The Tucks has the most different and unique throws.

  3. They have maintained their sense of humor

    Despite the immense increase in its size and stature, the Krewe of Tucks has stayed true to its values and maintained its sense of humor. Their energy is truly unmatched!

National Krewe of Tucks Day dates

YearDateDay
2024June 9Sunday
2025June 9Monday
2026June 9Tuesday
2027June 9Wednesday
2028June 9Friday

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