During the height of Mardi Gras, when half a million revelers fill the streets of Soulard, beads are currency, and represent status. Good beads ignite conversations, spark negotiations, and become prized parts of permanent collections. Disappointed by the prevalence of ubiquitous, low-quality throws, The Krewe of the Lustful Lushes formed a decade ago with the mission to elevate Soulard’s bead culture. This Saturday, you can find them tossing voluptuous pearls, environmentally-friendly strands of glass and wood, and original, artisanal creations from the upper windows of The Hi-Hat Lounge (1017 Russell Blvd) from noon to 4:00 pm.
The iconic Auntie M holding court in New Orleans
Krewe co-founder and artist Auntie M, also known as “The Mad Beader of Mardi Gras,” is among Mardi Gras’ most iconic personalities. Rather than working the windows, Auntie generally prefers to hold court on the street in one of his towering trademark wigs. Auntie M’s coveted creations, which can also be found adorning revelers in the French Quarter and Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade, have become the ultimate Carnival status symbol. They’re simultaneously exclusive and populist. They represent authenticity, street cred and Mardi Gras glamour, in part because they cannot be bought. These are beads you have to earn.
There’s a social contract involved in going out in full regalia, Auntie M posits. You are signaling that you are there to engage, and to put on a show. But he sees a role for revelers as well, especially those wanting beads. “You have to be interesting and fun. We’re all making an effort to entertain one another. What are you bringing to the party?”
Auntie M is interested in the symbolism behind the party. Of his famous king-cake baby beads, which consist of one-inch plastic babies varying from creamy white to brown to jet black, separated by colorful glass or by wooden beads, Auntie M says, “In modern Western culture we see any baby symbols in this wholesome light, but these were fertility symbols, symbols of spring and bounty and partying and sexuality. Mardi Gras, Bacchanalia…. these were times to cut loose from the ongoing catastrophe of life.”
The competition is stiff for the coveted Golden Penis
Speaking of fertility symbols, Auntie’s most sought-after strand is the Golden Penis. Three will be awarded throughout the day, and you could say the competition is stiff.
Other bead artists in the krewe include Ken Snyders and new member Chuck Evans. “Maven of Mardi Gras” Luann Denten has created many of the krewe member costumes.
Guilherme Kraus modeling part of Auntie M’s 2025 collection
Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that some aren’t content to catch beads tossed from the upper windows or earn them in the crowd, and instead decide to infiltrate the krewe’s lair—which the krewe dubs “The Opera Box”—and raid the stockpile. For several years in a row, a gorgeous woman who could easily be a supermodel somehow makes her way past security, along with two female sidekicks. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know this was a private event,” she’ll politely say when approached, and then proceed to engage in pleasant conversation to distract while her grabby gal pals snatch what they can. The krewe has dubbed the treasure-hunting trio “The Party Pirates,” and they’re determined to prevent another heist.
The Belles of Bevo will perform on the Hi-Hat Stage
Photo credit: Justin Lehman
Last year, the Hi-Hat’s curbside stage became a popular anchor for the typically-restless crowds, and this year, owner Patrick Webster has increased the size of the stage and will feature live music, as well as performances by the drag troupe The Belles of Bevo at 1:30 pm.
The benevolent Krewe of the Lustful Lushes works year-round and spends a fortune to elevate bead culture, believing that unique, quality beads are a social lubricant, leading to far more interactions among revelers. The krewe’s pearl of wisdom is that beads are like the bubbles in the champagne, adding effervescence to the drunken sea of humanity milling about.
Stop by to get bubbly with Auntie M and the krewe on Saturday.
