The New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe that throws decorated coconuts is Zulu.
The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is a predominantly African American Carnival organization founded in 1916. Its Mardi Gras Day parade became especially famous for hand-painted coconuts, which are among the most prized “throws” caught by parade-goers.
The tradition began because early Zulu members could not easily afford the expensive glass beads and other elaborate throws used by older organizations. Coconuts bought from the French Market offered an inexpensive, distinctive alternative. By the late 1940s, members were painting and decorating them.
A common mix-up is to confuse Zulu coconuts with the throws of other New Orleans krewes, such as Rex doubloons or specialty beads. The coconut tradition was temporarily halted in 1987 after insurance problems and injury lawsuits. Louisiana’s 1988 “Coconut Bill” helped remove liability concerns and allowed the tradition to resume.