Red Beans

Dead Beans

Queer Beans

The Krewe of Red Beans Parade

The Krewe of Red Beans began in 2009 with a small group of friends – mostly school teachers and recent transplants to New Orleans. The Krewe was inspired by a mixture of New Orleans traditional cultural practices – mainly the annual suit-making of Black Masking Indians and the parade style of second lines.

The first parade was attended by no spectators, but the 25 initial Krewe members and their brass band had a great time parading on Lundi Gras*. Al “Carnival Time” Johnson joined them as the Grand Marshal. They decided to repeat the parade the following Lundi Gras*.

As the Krewe membership has grown, the parade has become very kid-friendly. We are proudly one of the only parades where parents march alongside their children. For many in New Orleans, the Krewe of Red Beans has become a Lundi Gras* tradition.

The COVID pandemic of 2020 was a catalyst for the Krewe of Red Beans to step-up with creative initiatives to help New Orleans. Feed the Front Line NOLA, Hire A Mardi Gras Artist, Bean Coin, and Fest Fest — inspired and supported our city. And our sister non-profit, Feed the Second Line, has made an important impact. Read more about KRB initiatives>>

*Lundi Gras (literally Fat Monday) is the day before Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).

Al "Carnival Time" Johnson

Our Sub-Krewes

Over the years, the parade grew in size. As the Krewe grew, it’s growth model became creating copies of itself – a new bean parade in another neighborhood. Today, there are three bean parade routes, five parade Sub Krewes (Red Beans, Dead Beans, Feijão, Mung Beans, and Queer Beans), 450 Krewe members, and around 15,000 spectators each Lundi Gras.

Red Beans

Red Beans is the original marching group. It generally is open-ended thematically. On Lundi Gras, the Red Beans parade starts at the Marigny Opera House and walks from the Marigny into the Treme accompanied by Treme Brass Band.

Dead Beans

The Dead Beans parade was the first sub-krewe, formed in 2017. Their route starts in Bayou Saint John and ends in the Treme. The bean suits have a different theme each year. Members will also often make art in homage to someone who has recently passed. Dead beans is often accompanied by the Panorama Brass Band as well as Bon Bon Vivant.

**2025 Theme : “Late Great Villians and Heroes” inspired by Mufasa “everything you see – exists together in a delicate balance….” **

Queer Beans

The “Lez-Beans” started parading with the Krewe of Red Beans organically, and it led to the official launch of the broader umbrella of the “Queer Beans” sub-krewe in 2024 that celebrates LGBTQ+ identity. This sub-krewe route starts at Beanlandia and merges with the other sub-krewes in Treme.

Frijoles

Our newest sub-krewe celebrating all things Latin American!

Want to Parade with Us?

Anyone can join a parade – and they are lots of fun and family-friendly. To join a parade, you must be a Beanlandia member. Each fall, Beanlandia members are given the opportunity to sign up for Sub-Krewes until they reach their respective capacities. Then in November, we begin crafting together at Beanlandia. This lets members learn the pro-tips of a good bean suit . . . and in the process, you get to meet lots of nice people & build community!

REQUIREMENTS:

Parading members must first be members of Beanlandia (i.e. they pay a recurring monthly amount of their choice throughout the year). You can JOIN BEANLANDIA HERE!
There is an additional sliding-scale parade dues to cover costs ($150-250). If you are unable to pay this amount, contact us and we may be able to work out a volunteer-for-dues arrangement.
We welcome all to participate in our parades and hope to encourage costumes that are respectful. Parade members agree to adhere to our guidelines here.

BENEFITS:

MEET NICE FOLKS AND HAVE A MORE FUN CARNIVAL!
Official parade members also get crafting supplies and special access to events like the annual Bean Ball.