Krewes (pronounced "crews") are private organizations that host and coordinate balls, parades, and other events during Mardi Gras season.

There are hundreds of krewes in New Orleans, but there are a few (such as the Krewes of Rex, Comus, Bacchus, and Endymion) to which an invite is granted only to the city's elite.

The Krewe of Magus, backed by the Deschanel family, is one such krewe.

Location: Le Fontenot Orphelinat (Fontenot Orphanage) on Prytania (in the Garden District) owned by the Deschanels. The building is an old orphanage, converted into an elaborate structure used primarily for the krewe balls. Old Italianate style building, built in the mid 19th century.

Dress Code: Formal masquerade ball. Expected to wear red and gold, in all hues, and encouraged to wear feathers and other representations of a phoenix, or bird, which is the symbol of the Deschanel dynasty.

Parade Route: Down Prytania all the way to Washington, then up to St. Charles and back down, ending in the CBD. Floats involve a giant phoenix rising from the ashes, as well as lots of fire and pyrotechnics. Occurs 2 weeks before the start of Mardi Gras.

Donations: All proceeds go to a charity for continued restoration of the Lower Ninth Ward post-Katrina

Last Year's Royalty:

Captain: Luther Fontenot

King: Oz Sullivan

Queen: Amelia Deschanel

Dukes: Noah Jameson, Ashley Jameson, Llewellyn Fontenot

Maids: Fleur Fontenot, Violet Dubois, Katja Gehring