What are New Orleans Mardi Gras social clubs called?

New Orleans Mardi Gras social clubs are called krewes.

A krewe is a Carnival organization that typically stages a parade, holds a ball, or sponsors both. The term is especially associated with New Orleans, where krewes organize much of the city’s elaborate Mardi Gras calendar and preserve traditions of royalty, costumes, themes, and throws.

The word is thought to have been coined as an archaic-looking spelling by the Mistick Krewe of Comus, founded in 1857. Comus drew inspiration from earlier masked societies and helped establish the model followed by later organizations such as Rex, Proteus, Momus, Bacchus, and Endymion.

Krewes vary greatly. Some are old-line and invitation-based, some are large “super krewes,” and others are walking groups or niche organizations built around neighborhoods, identity, humor, or popular culture. Members may pay dues, help build floats, purchase throws, and attend private events.

“Lodge,” “order,” and “guild” can describe other kinds of associations, but they are not the standard New Orleans Carnival term. Also, not every krewe stages a large float parade; some primarily hold balls or smaller processions.