Krewe of Red Beans

Krewe of Red Beans

By AnaMaria Bech

Click aqui para español- > Comparsa de Frijoles Rojos

The Krewe of Red Beans began in 2008 - and launched the first “bean parade” on Lundi Gras 2009. Each year, Krewe members begin working on their suits after Halloween passes. On the best Monday of the year (Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras) they parade through the streets of the Marigny and Tremé. 150 Krewe members parade alongside thousands of “unofficial” paraders - and everyone is welcome to make their own bean suit and join in on the fun!

The idea of the Krewe of Red Beans Parade was to take inspiration from different elements of New Orleans culture: making a suit like an Indian and Second Lining like a Social Aid and Pleasure Club… and of course, to celebrate the culinary tradition of Red Beans on Monday!

Friends and friends-of-friends were recruited in 2008 and they began working on their first suits. From those first 25 members (and 1 or 2 spectators) to now three parades and around 10,000 spectators, the Krewe of Red Beans has grown into a loved Lundi Gras tradition.

Red Beans Parade - Frijoles! 2020 Lundi Gras - Krewe of Red Beans and Krewe of Mayahuel parading together in “Red Beans Parade”. The original Red Beans parade (Marigny) will be a little more Caribbean and Mexican this year, as they welcome the Krewe of Mayahuel, a Mexican folkloric krewe that celebrates Mexican traditions, and a Caribbean band created by musician Cole Williams.

Red Beans Parade - 2pm Lundi Gras Day - 725 St. Ferdinand (Marigny Opera House)

And the newest sub-krewe, Feijao (beans in Portuguese)- a “Brazilian/cajun” parade is taking off this year in Bywater. Feijao starts on Lundi Gras Day at 2pm at Bud Rips Bar. All are welcome!

Dead Beans Parade --Dead Beans was launched in 2018, and it parades near Bayou St. John with music by Panorama Brass Band and Bon Vivant! The Dead Beans wear suits inspired by any mythological or folkloric tradition that deals with death, mortality, or the afterlife, or paying homage to someone who passed. This year’s theme is mythical or extinct animals.

The Krewe of Red Beans welcomes everyone in the community who wants to participate. Just make your own costume and join one of the parades. For more information, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.redbeansparade.com

Photography: Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee