After Mardi Gras 2011, Julie Lea Nyx Captain and Founder,  had an idea to start her own all-female Mardi Gras Krewe.  She contacted several friends to ask if they were interested in pursuing this crazy idea and they said yes. Knowing the City of New Orleans hadn't had a new Mardi Gras Krewe in over decade, the ladies knew they were in for an uphill battle.  The vision was to parade for the 2012 season.

 

Over several months of hard work and dedication, the Krewe started holding events and had a growing membership.The momentum behind the Krewe was building, however time was running out as the City of New Orleans still had not approved their parade permit request as of October 1, 2011.  But the women did not give up believing the political red tape could be worked through for the betterment of the City of New Orleans and for Mardi Gras.

 

At the perseverance of Captain Lea and the Board of Directors, an unprecedented vote occured within the New Orleans City Council just in the nick of time. 

 

On October 20, 2011, the New Orleans City Council  voted 7-0 in favor of putting forth a motion for the all-female Krewe of Nyx to  Parade to roll in 2012.  One of the 'motions or resolutions not on the agenda', Resolution R11-498, was presented by Councilmembers Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, Eric Granderson, and Kristen Gisleson Palmer 'supporting the application of the Krewe of Nyx to roll in the 2012 Mardi Gras season and intending to add them to the parade schedule.'

 

On November 3, 2011 The New Orleans City Council voted to allow the all-female Mystic Krewe of Nyx to parade in New Orleans in 2012. With 6 yays and no nays, the unanimous vote by the six councilmembers present made November 3, 2011 a historic day for parading in the City of New Orleans and for the group of women who believed in a dream.

 

 

 

Captain Lea addressed the Council stating  “We have worked really hard in a short amount of time to put on a beautiful parade for the city.” Lea discussed Nyx’s retainer of a float builder and costume designer and stated that the krewe had been in contact with bands to march.  “We have been holding events and trying to boost the local economy and spending money within the city,” added Lea. “It is very important for us to do that.” 

 

Within three months of the City Council's approval,  the  Mystic Krewe of Nyx proudly paraded on the streets of New Orleans for the first time on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 with 534 riders. 

 

On Wednesday, February 6, 2013, the Krewe paraded with 921 riders.  On Wednesday, February 25, 2014, the Krewe paraded with 1222 riders. 

 

On January 6, 2015, the Mystic Krewe of Nyx was presented with a proclamation from the New Orleans City Council, led by Councilmember at Large Jason Williams, acknowledging the Krewe as the largest all female parading Krewe in Mardi Gras history. 

 

      

 

The women of Nyx paraded with 1511 riders on Wednesday,  February 11, 2015. 

  

In 2016 the Krewe hit "Super Krewe" status and paraded on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 with 2,232 riders for its 5th Anniversary. For Mardi Gras 2017, Nyx staged its largest parade to date with 42 floats and 2951 riders on February 22nd.

 

 

 

 

In 2018, The Krewe of Nyx had the honor of being named the largest parading krewe ever in the history of New Orleans Mardi Gras.  The ladies staged a 44 float parade with 3348 riders on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, and a 44 float parade on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 with 3383 riders.  In 2020, on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, the Krewe paraded with over 3400 riders.  Due to the tragic death of a bystander, Ms. Geraldine Courmouche, only a portion of the parade was able to make it through the streets of New Orleans at the decision of Mayor Latoya Cantrell.  

Mardi Gras 2021 was cancelled due to the Covid-19 virus at the decision of Mayor Latoya Cantrell and other city leaders.  We hope for a wonderful parade season for 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Krewe currently is accepting new members!

 

The ladies of Nyx are extremely proud of all they accomplished in ten short years.  The Krewe looks forward to its bright and exciting future for many wonderful years to come. 

 

 

And the rest, as we say...................is Nyxstory!