100 years of Iris

Carnival 2017 marks a significant milestone for the Krewe of Iris, the oldest parading female organization. This year, the krewe will celebrate its 100th anniversary when it rolls on Saturday, Feb. 25, just days before Mardi Gras. Iris first paraded in 1959 and riders have always adhered to a tradition of wearing hand painted masks and traditional white gloves.   

Iris Line Lt. Louellen Berger donned her mask as she spoke to the Tulane New Wave along with Tulanians Dr. Evablanche Centanni and Meredith Durham. The video includes images and parade footage from the Krewe of Iris and the Louisiana State Museum's exhibition, Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival, currently showing at the Presbytere.