Krewe A Krewe is an organization that puts on a parade and or a ball for the Carnival season . The term is best known for its association with New Orleans Mardi Gras , but is also used in other Carnival celebrations around the Gulf of Mexico Coast , such as the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa , Florida . The word is thought to have been coined in the early 19th century by an organization calling themselves Ye Mystick Krewe of Comus , as an imitation or parody of Old English ; with time it became the most common term for a New Orleans Carnival organization . Krewe members are assessed fees in order to pay for the parade and/or ball . Fees can range from thousands of dollars a year per person for the most elaborate parades to as little as $ 20 a year for smaller marching clubs . Criteria for krewe membership varies similarly , ranging from exclusive organizations largely limited to relatives of previous members to other organizations open to anyone able to pay the membership fee . Krewes with low membership fees may also require members to work to help build and decorate the parade floats and make their own costumes ; higher priced krewes hire professionals to do this work . Parading krewe members are usually additionally responsible for buying their own throws , the trinkets thrown to parade spectators according to New Orleans tradition . Some Krewes also have other events like private dances or parties for members throughout the year . Some also make a point of supporting charities and good causes . See also Krewe of Tucks Rex parade Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club Krewe du Vieux Krewe of Endymion Pet de Kat Krewe Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Comparsa KOE Categories : New Orleans Mardi Gras | Carnival In other languages : Español | 日本語 