A krewe (pronounced “crew”) is a social organization that puts on a parade or ball for the Carnival season. […]
Krewe members are assessed fees in order to pay for the parade or ball. Fees can range from thousands of dollars a year per person for the most elaborate parades to as little as $20 a year for smaller clubs. Criteria for krewe membership varies similarly, ranging from exclusive organizations largely limited to relatives of previous members to other organizations open to anyone able to pay the membership fee. Krewes with low membership fees may also require members to work to help build and decorate the parade floats and make their own costumes; higher priced krewes hire professionals to do this work. Parading krewe members are usually responsible for buying their own throws such as beads and coins, which are thrown to parade spectators according to tradition. Some krewes also have other events, such as private dances or parties, for members throughout the year. Some also make a point of supporting charities and good causes.
Source: Krewe – Wikipedia
Tim B.
Example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe_of_Proteus
https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/new-orleans/a-brief-guide-to-notable-mardi-gras-krewes-thrillist-new-orleans
Tim B.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striker%27s_Independent_Society
“The Strikers Independent Society was formed initially by young men in Mobile who had been refused membership to the older Cowbellion de Rakin Society (which had been formed in year 1830 by “more sedate and astute men of the city”).[1] In the beginning, it was designated as a bachelor-only society, and if a member married, then they were out of the society.[1]”
Tim B.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Momus
“For over 100 years, the Momus parade was a fixture of the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule, parading annually on the Thursday before Fat Tuesday. Since Momus was the Greek god of mockery, the themes of Momus parades typically paid homage to the organization’s namesake with irreverent humor and biting satire. The 1877 parade theme, “Hades, A Dream of Momus,” caused an uproar when it took aim at the Reconstruction government established in New Orleans after the Civil War. Attempts at retribution by local authorities were largely unsuccessful due to the secrecy of the membership. “
Tim B.
See also: Lord of Misrule
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_of_Misrule