On the Friday night before Mardi Gras, spectators get quite a show in Uptown New Orleans as three parades roll down the streets. It's a mix of Mardi Gras pageantry, mystery and artistry indicative of the entire Carnival season. And of course, there's plenty of music and antics, too.

Krewe of Hermes

The first parade of the evening has been around a long time.  According to the krewe's website, Hermes is the oldest of the night parades.   The Krewe of Hermes is credited with helping expand the season of celebration by parading on Friday nights.  In 2018, the krewe's theme was Arts and Letters

Krewe D'Etat

Live to ride, ride to live!  That's the motto of Krewe D'Etat a group known for its mystery and a little mayhem.  Instead of a king or queen, "the Dictator" runs the show and his identity is never revealed.  The parade is filled with political satire, elaborately designed floats, lots of skeletons and some heavily sought after light up D'Etat figures.  This year's theme (which is never revealed beforehand) was Dictators Museum of Art. 

Krewe of Morpheus

The last parade of Friday night is presented by the Krewe of Morpheus.  With 500 members and more than 20 floats, this parade featured a theme surrounding exotic animals.  The Krewe's motto is "Live Your Dreams" and always features a crescent moon at the beginning of the parade. Morpheus was just getting started when Hurricane Katrina struck.