The Krewe of Dionysus is an all‑male Mardi Gras krewe based in Slidell, Louisiana, founded in 1985. Its mission from the beginning has been to bring a family‑oriented, old‑fashioned Mardi Gras parade and celebration to Slidell (sometimes called “the Camellia City”), blending tradition, pageantry, and community involvement.
Each year the Krewe of Dionysus organizes a sizable parade featuring dozens of floats, many of which are double‑decker, along with numerous members who ride and participate. The parade route starts near Spartan Drive and Highway 11, follows Front Street into the heart of town, then turns onto Gause Boulevard (Highway 190), ending near Kensington Boulevard. The krewe also holds many related events throughout the year (meetings, parties, coronation ball, etc.) to engage members and the public.
Culturally, Dionysus builds on both Mardi Gras traditions of the greater New Orleans region and local community values. Its name references the Greek god of wine, fertility, and ecstatic celebration, emphasizing revelry and festivity. Though the krewe is male‑only in membership, its parade is family friendly and designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all ages. In sum, the Krewe of Dionysus plays an important role in Slidell’s Carnival season by preserving tradition, fostering community, and delivering pageantry in a friendly, inclusive way.
Our History
Dionysus (or Bacchus in Roman Mythology) is the ancient Greek God (or Olympian) of winemaking and wine, along with “inspired madness.” It is with that in mind that The Krewe of Dionysus was founded in 1985 by a group of Northshore businessmen with the intention of bringing a family oriented old fashioned Mardi Gras good time to the City of Slidell.


