Louisiana Mardi Gras Krewe Removes Riders Again Over Confederate Flag Beads

A Louisiana-based Mardi Gras Krewe has ejected two members of the Krewe for throwing beads that violate their policies during this year's parade. The decision was announced on Monday, March 3rd, 2025.

NOLA.com reports that Thoth Parade Spokesperson Penny Larson told them on Monday that two members have been removed from the Krewe. The move comes after parade goers reported that they caught beads with confederate flags on them during the Thoth parade.

The Krewe of Thoth rolled in New Orleans on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, going from the corner of Tchoupitoulas Street and State Street to Poydras Street. The Krewe has been rolling in New Orleans since the 1940s, and has more than 1,900 riders across 39 floats. Of their 39 floats, 15 are tandem floats.

During the parade, revelers on the route caught beads that featured a purple and yellow designed confederate flag on them. Those that caught them shared a photo of the beads on Reddit, before trashing the beads. Those posts online vent viral, and caught the attention of Krewe leadership.

As of Monday, Thoth's Spokesperson told NOLA.com "They're gone. This is getting out of hand" when explaining what has happened to the Krewe members. This includes the rider who threw the beads, and the Float Lieutenant of the offending rider's float.

This isn't the first time Thoth has taken action over confederate beads being thrown during their parade. In 2019, the Krewe removed a rider for throwing beads that featured the confederate flag along with the term "rebel" on them.

NOLA.com includes an explanation as to why the Krewe is taking such quick and drastic action, saying:

"The Confederate battle flag is often viewed as a symbol of racism, having been carried by soldiers during the Civil War who were fighting for the perpetuation of "negro slavery" as stated in the Confederate States Constitution."

Thoth's Spokesperson added to their statement on the situation by telling NOLA.com that the Krewe won't "tolerate" these rule violations. The Krewe's rules prevent riders from tossing political, sexual, or offensive throws during the parade.