The Mystic Krewe of Music, the first major krewe on the West Bank, rolled through Marrero on Monday, bringing cheer and music to the community.
MARRERO, La. — The first major parade of the West Bank rolled through Marrero Monday evening, at a time when some residents say Carnival festivities in the area have felt limited. As communities look for reasons to celebrate, one krewe is working to restore both music and momentum.
The Mystic Krewe of Music rolled on Lapalco Boulevard, continued east to Ames Boulevard, then headed north before turning onto the Westbank Expressway. The parade rolled until reaching the intersection of the Westbank Expressway and Barataria Boulevard, drawing crowds along the way.
For some West Bank residents, the moment felt long overdue.
“It really felt like we got dropped. Like we got left behind,” one resident said.
Founded in 2023, the coed Mystic Krewe of Music now rolls with more than 250 riders and 20 floats, each centered around musical themes. Every float featured a different DJ and a different vibe, all tied together by the same sheet of music and a shared mission.
“We just wanted to bring that music back to the West Bank,” said Henry Smith, captain of the Mystic Krewe of Music. “I think our community is looking forward to it.”
Dance schools and performers joined the celebration, emphasizing how deeply music and movement are tied to Carnival culture.
“Dancing culture and music culture is just very important,” said Autumn with THF School of Dance.
Back in the day, 11 krewes were known to roll through the West Bank during Carnival season, some nearly 100 years old. Today, only three krewes that originated on the West Bank remain.
“They used to always go in front of my mom’s house. They used to go in front of my dad’s house,” said Drusilla, a West Bank resident.
Some krewes disbanded after membership declined, while others relocated.
“They used to have Poseidon on 4th Street. That was a good parade,” one resident recalled.
Krewes such as Cleopatra, King Arthur, and Alla eventually moved Uptown, a shift that many say changed the spirit of Carnival on the Westbank.
“It feels like the West Bank is alive again and we are getting there,” one resident said.
That sense of revival continues to drive the Mystic Krewe of Music three years after its founding. The krewe’s mission centers on unity, bonding men and women of all backgrounds through music, love, and the spirit of Carnival, with the goal of bridging gaps and breaking down social barriers throughout the community.
“Music is love,” said a member of the Mystic Krewe of Music. “My mom has always been singing ever since I was younger than my daughter’s age.”
That daughter even had her own post-parade plans.
“After this I can get a nap and some crawfish,” she said.
The parade also featured a special guest appearance by New Orleans rapper Choppa, who performed a version of “Marrero,” originally recorded by MC Thick in 1993. The performance highlighted the Westbank’s musical legacy and resilience.
Known for its musical themes, the Mystic Krewe of Music’s signature throw is a musical pillow, a symbol of the harmony the krewe hopes to spread beyond parade day.