On what date did the Krewe of Orpheus hold its first parade?

The Krewe of Orpheus held its first parade on February 14, 1994. That debut came shortly after the krewe was founded in 1993 and immediately established Orpheus as a major presence in New Orleans Carnival.

Orpheus is named for the musician and poet of classical mythology, a fitting choice for a krewe with a strong musical identity. Its founders included musician Harry Connick Jr., his father Harry Connick Sr., and Sonny Borey. The organization was designed as an inclusive krewe open to members of either gender and any race or ethnicity.

The inaugural parade reportedly carried a record 700 riders, an unusually large showing for a new organization. Orpheus soon became one of the city’s super krewes, famous for massive floats, elaborate themes, and celebrity involvement.

The date is easy to confuse with the krewe’s founding year or with dates associated with other New Orleans organizations. February 14, 1994, refers specifically to Orpheus’s first parade, not merely its formation.