The Krewe of Nereids is an all-female Mardi Gras organization devoted to giving back to the community. Public relations officer Angelyn Zeringue tells us more.
SHARE A BIT ABOUT THE KREWE’S HISTORY
A group of businesswomen in Waveland started the Krewe of Nereids in the 1960s, and it is the oldest Mardi Gras Krewe on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In mythology, Nereids are sea nymphs (or female spirits of the sea), the 50 daughters of Doris and Nereus. Today there are more than 100 mermaid sisters in the Krewe of Nereids.
WHO ARE THE KREWE’S MEMBERS?
The Krewe of Nereids welcomes members from multiple states and across the Coast. All fun-loving and dedicated ladies are welcome to join.
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH YOUR KREWE? WHAT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES DO YOU HAVE COMING UP?
Upcoming events:
- Black Tie Tableau Ball: Jan. 24, Gulf Coast Coliseum
- Mardi Gras Parade: Feb. 8, Highway 90, Bay St. Louis to Waveland
- Beads, Birdies and Bogeys Golf Tournament: May 1, The Bridges Golf Course
- Halfway to Mardi Pardi: Aug. 8
HOW IS YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY?
Each year, the Krewe of Nereids supports several initiatives as givebacks to our community. For instance, our kings built picnic tables for the Bays Soccer Complex, and our krewe presented “warmies” to Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center and clothing and supplies to Christian Women Job Corp. We also participate in CASA Touch a Truck, activities at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and the Buddy Walk for the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society.
HOW DOES YOUR KREWE EMPOWER OR SERVE WOMEN IN PARTICULAR?
Annually, the krewe hosts a ball at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum. The event is a tribute to the krewe’s beautiful ladies, who are dressed in elaborate and colorful costumes as they present the tableau for the enjoyment of attendees. The ball introduces our new Queen Doris, her court and her consort, King Nereus. The krewe celebrates the crowning of the new queen with music and dance routines based on the season’s theme.
It’s always a magical evening of fun, entertainment and majesty in the tradition of the original New Orleans Mardi Gras krewes.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED OR GAINED PERSONALLY BY BEING INVOLVED WITH YOUR KREWE?
Women spend their lives nurturing and caring for others, and they seldom do anything for themselves. The Krewe of Nereids provides a relaxed environment for ladies to step outside their comfort zone and work together, to have fun and fellowship and to create a beautiful performance. We show up, dress up and have fun in addition to doing good works.
WHAT ARE THE KREWE’S GOALS GOING FORWARD?
Our dream is to have Nereids continue for the next century and beyond. The organization is truly a family affair that includes children, spouses and friends. Involving children as dancers and court members encourages lifetime membership to perpetuate the krewe, and we are now celebrating multiple generations of Mermaids!
Our krewe requires more than just signing up; we are a very an engaged group, and we create all costumes and backdrops and decorate our floats.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT YOUR KREWE?
We run a family-friendly parade and invite fellow krewes, the armed forces, walking groups, bands, scout troops, dance groups, truck floats and community and civic organizations to join our celebration for the largest free show on the Coast. Our signature throw is a hand-decorated shell distributed to lucky people along the parade route.
