Krewe of Dolly in Krewe of Cork

Krewe of Dolly made its debut in Krewe of Cork this year and I had to document the first TGICD and march with the Corkians! Kicking off with a brunch at @tujages_restaurant, followed by a meet up at @misfittoysnola and then on the streets of New Orleans bringing wine and joy to the crowds on this glorious sunshine filled day.

Founded in November 2000, the Krewe of Cork began not as a parade, but as a gathering. A group of wine lovers met on the first Friday of every month at The Bistro at Maison de Ville, giving rise to TGICD (Thank God It’s Cork Day). By Mardi Gras 2001, amid a festively decorated Bistro, King Patrick proclaimed the first royal titles and the Krewe of Cork was officially born.

Over the years, the Krewe has grown into a community of more than 400 members (Corkians) spanning New Orleans, across Louisiana, throughout the country, and internationally. What remains unchanged is the spirit: celebration rooted in wine, food, camaraderie, and ritual.

Today, Cork’s calendar is full, from its monthly TGICD luncheons to the continuation of the Royal Street Stroll each spring. But the heart of the Krewe is Carnival season. Two Fridays before Mardi Gras, Corkians gather for a Bloody Mary check-in, champagne brunch at the Court of Two Sisters, and a walking parade through the French Quarter led by the King, Queen, and Grand Marshal- no floats, just cork-themed costuming, wine-inspired "everything," and joy in motion.

This year’s parade welcomed new energy alongside long-standing tradition, a reminder that the Krewe of Cork continues to evolve while honoring what has always defined it.

As Euripides said in 406 B.C., “Without wine there is no joy.” With Corkians strong, the Kingdom is doing just fine.

With a second line in my step and where the rhythm carries me,

Karlita

To learn more about Krewe of Cork visit thekreweofcork.com

To learn more about Krewe of Dolly visit www.thekreweofdolly.org