About Nereids

The Krewe of Nereids was organized in 1966 by a group of outstanding Waveland, Mississippi business and professional women led by Elaine Colson and Claire Bourgeois, and now includes in its membership ladies from not only the Bay St. Louis - Waveland area, but from the entire coastal region and beyond. While we continue to keep the Mardi Gras tradition and heritage alive, we have gone far beyond the social organization of 1966. We provide an economic boost to the Bay - Waveland area.

The Krewe of Nereids owns their own den, which houses their floats. Each year, under the direction of a professional float designer, the women of Nereids execute the theme designs onto individual floats. In fact, the women of Nereids perform many of the tasks required to effectuate a ball and parade each year. From sewing costumes, to making elaborate headpieces, to painting floats and sets for the ball, the women of Nereids take pride in being a working krewe.

The Krewe of Nereids is the only women's krewe of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to own their den and floats. We were the third carnival organization on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that had a complete parade. The first carnival organization to have a complete parade on the coast was Biloxi the second was Pass Christian.

The Nereids' Parade, comprised of more than 100 units, takes pride in featuring not only the beautiful floats of Nereids, but also many other participants in its annual parade. There are entries each year from as far away as Pensacola. The crowds delight as the Marching Clubs distribute flowers and kisses to the excited throngs Many other marching groups and dance teams compliment the parade each year adding to the excitement of the moment. The Krewe takes pride each year in the support of the local high school and college bands that participate year after year. We are also proud to have the high school JROTC units participate in our parade. The Krewe of Hancock, comprised of floats entered by community groups, business and just friends and neighbors, has grown each year. Their floats and costumes have become more and more elaborate as they compete for the special awards presented by Nereids.

The Krewe is particularly proud of the Krewe of Eros who enters two floats into Nereids' parade each year. These men have paraded with Nereids for over 25 years.

Treasured keepsakes in the form of posters, cups, and doubloons are tossed from the floats to the eager crowds who chant in true Mardi Gras tradition, "Throw me something Miss". Our posters, which reflect the theme of our carnival ball, have become a collectors' item.

Our carnival ball is recognized as one of the best produced on the Coast. Each year, our members charm the audience as they perform dance routines ranging from comedy to ballet. Perhaps, what most sets us apart from others is the anticipation of the audience as they eagerly await the entrance of our secret court. Nereids maintains the tradition of not revealing the identity of the Maids and the Queen of Nereids also known as Queen Doris.

The Krewe of Nereids provide a spectacular display of ingenuity and imagination from the colorful, formal Tableau Ball, which takes place in the beautiful Mississippi Coast Coliseum up until our King Nereus has saluted the last float on parade day.

It is a gay, glamorous season in which everyone can take part and relish the splendor Queen Doris leading her entourage in royal procession through the Cities of Waveland and Bay St. Louis, MIssissippi.

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