As the years past, this individualistic band would add many imaginative traditions as it saw fit. In only their second year, for instance, the krewe introduced to Carnival colored neon lights to outline features of a float. In complement with the flares of the marching flambeaux, this made for a procession like no reveler had seen before.

Hermes continues toking bring gaiety and grandness to the Friday night streets and is distinguished as the oldest continuous night parading krewe in Carnival. With nearly 650 members, its roster remains filled with local men of commerce, law, medicine and other distinguished trades. As a mystic organization, the membership is kept secret, a practice which applies especially to the King. Even as he waves his wand before the ballgoers on Thursday night, His Majesty remains behind the mask and his name is never printed in public forums.

In 2005, the members were faced with a climate not unlike the days following the Great Depression. Once again, the civically proud, go-getting krewe found strength in misfortune, becoming one of, if not the, first Carnival clubs to reorganize after Hurricane Katrina. Determined that the show must go on, the 2006 Ball and Parade drew record crowds and had them dancing till dawn.

Mystic Krewe of Hermes

In the early days, float creation emphasized craftsmanship, detail and story, and Hermes is known for upholding these ideals. The float parade is the culmination of a season of events which intensify on the final week. The night before the parade is the Hermes Grand Ball, where the King and His Court are presented in an elaborate ceremony, followed by a boisterous Supper Dance. And while the King is the center attraction, his identity is kept secret in keeping with tradition.

Hermes is also known for an unusual and longtime tradition, the Walking Parade, held earlier that Friday in the French Quarter. After lunch with friends and fellow float riders, the members, dressed in suits and krewe ties and laden with beads to throw, spill from various restaurants and gather on Royal and St. Louis Streets. High school marching bands thunder to life and lead the procession through the Quarter on its way to dress for the night parade.