What we can do only on Fat Tuesday
Celebrate history and cultural jesting
Feast before lent
https://64parishes.org/entry/st-louis-cathedral-2
Catholicism is the primary religious sect in French Louisiana. Lent is a time where believers give something meaningful up for 40 days. Fat Tuesday is a final time of feast and gluttony before this practice. Due to much Caribbean and Spanish American influence, the celebration incorporates other religious imagery and masquerading and brought parades to the celebration.
"Baby Dolls" Costumes
https://www.arkrepublic.com/2019/03/03/cultural-imprint-of-new-orleans-mardi-gras/
https://www.npr.org/2013/02/16/172165237/the-baby-dolls-of-mardi-gras-a-fun-tradition-with-a-serious-side
Originally a expression of rarity and rivalry by black women in the red light district of New Orleans in 1912 during Jim Crow era. Women first appeared to participate in runs in this way, but there were no all female Krewes until 1941. This style lost favor quickly thereafter during women's rights movements by being associated with sex workers. The theme has now returned, and still attended by those women who brought it back.
"Indian Queens"
https://gonola.com/things-to-do-in-new-orleans/mardi-gras-indian-queens
One notable group in Mardi Gras are members of 'Indian Mardi Gras' which originated early to celebrate the support local native tribes provided to escaped or freed slaves. These Troupes were still hierarchical in nature and essentially presented in the parade mostly by men. However the 'Big Queen' would be a showstopper with elaborate tribal dress, and sometimes had secondary or tertiary 'queens' march with her. These costumes remain handmade and elaborate. There are over 90 'Indian Mardi Gras troupes'.
Changes in Krewe History
The Role of All Female Krewes Varies
Krewe of Iris
https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/krewe-of-iris
First female Krewe but only able to hold a ball in 1922, but didn't participate in a run until 1959.
Krewe of Venus
https://www.nola.com/news/article_79387537-0704-5fda-9f83-48ffb9a31115.html
The first Krewe to parade emerged in 1941 to the welcome of male antagonists and bad weather. Despite the fruit throwing and rain, the krewe completed the run and returned after WWII when parades resumed. Also of note: The Krewe of Venus also runs in the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, FL and supports female krewes in other Carnival celebrations!
Open Membership Krewes
https://www.nolaweekend.com/female-mardi-gras-krewe-opens-membership/
Krewe of Muses and Mystic Krewe of Nyx are among a few Krewes who allow any woman to participate without local membership. These filled up quickly and are very popular for one time visitors.
Rural Louisiana Parades
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/219480181812225175/
Rural Louisiana celebrates quite differently from New Orleans and eastern Gulf Coast areas. All costumes are handmade, follow strict guidelines resembling those used by french farmers early in the years of celebration with capuchon hats and completely covered dress including hands and shoe changes. In rural western LA towns such as Basile, women parade on a different day from the men. All celebration is kept separate, even today (Ware 2001, Sawin 2001).