Krewe of Alla introduces new faces to its historic royalty selection for 2025 parade

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Shirts, Mardi Gras throws and hula hoops were showcased as the Krewe of Alla prepared their floats for their big night, set for Wednesday, Feb. 26.

The Krewe’s Captain Adam Strickland says they are excited for the beautiful chaos.

“Our members look like the people who are going to be on the street watching us, and that’s what we’ve been shooting for. This is the city that we love. It’s just very important to us that when people find their way to Alla, this family, they feel welcome and they feel like they found their home,” said Strickland.

Being the fifth oldest parading group in New Orleans, the krewe is making history by moving to a weekday time slot. Councilman Freddie King says it’ll be a night to remember.

“Born and raised in Algiers. Been going to it several times, and have it on the premiere at night, leading Wednesdays. A great pleasure to see the faces of the kids and everybody looking for throws. The whole experience is very, very exciting,” said King.

But they didn’t stop there. After 90 years, the Krewe of Alla has selected its first black king and queen.

Queen Gian Durand says this event is not only historic for her, but also for the city. She plans to have 23 kids on her float to show them a unique Mardi Gras experience.

“Having the experience so that now, as they get older, they don’t have an expectation that this is a Mardi Gras float that looks like I want to be a part of it. So it was, it was really my social experience. I want to show these kids, like right now when they’re young, how amazing Mardi Gras [is],” said Durand.

New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell will serve as grand marshal.

For him, anytime he works with a krewe, he learns new facets of their culture.

“I learn new things and I learn about the traditions of the crew itself. And it’s really like unveiling slowly through time. And I just feel like I’m really being invited into the Alla family and really understanding what the unique cultures of each Mardi Gras crew are like,” said Morrell.

The Krewe has also added the Six Ward Steppers to the lineup, making the city’s first second-line social aid and pleasure club to march in a Mardi Gras parade.

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