Iris
By Arthur Hardy

Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and the messenger to the gods in classical Greek mythology. The Krewe of Iris was founded in 1922 but traces its roots to 1917. It is New Orleans’ largest parading Carnival organization for women. Ten years before its inaugural street parade in 1959, the Iris tableau ball became the first such event ever to be televised. One of the more notable gentlemen to serve as King was former New Orleans Mayor and U.S. Ambassador “Chep” Morrison. The krewe prides itself on strictly following the traditional customs of Carnival – beverages are forbidden aboard floats and full length masks and white gloves are worn.