Mysti Krewe of Nimbus formed in 2010 to celebrate Louisiana Mardi Gras, and bring that spirit of joy to Portland. The Krewe is composed of both former Louisiana residents and many locals who love the food, music, and culture of Louisiana.
Besides the annual Ball, the Krewe hosts the Portland Mardi Gras Day Parade, a free community event on North Mississippi Avenue. During the Parade, hundreds of Portlanders revel in the streets with lighted costumes, marching music acts, a kid’s costume contest, and plenty of beads! The Mysti Krewe also decorates a limited number of mini umbrellas, which have become highly collectible “throws.”
Each year, the Krewe participates in many other events, including the Portland Rose Festival Starlight Parade, the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, Portland Pride Parade, The Big Float, and Music on Main Street. The Mysti Krewe adds color and enthusiasm to any event it attends.
The Mysti Krewe has a charitable wing, “The Goode Werks Krewe” that raises funds for dual non-profits in Oregon and Louisiana with similar goals. Previous recipients focussed on environmental issues. Currently funds are raised for groups working in music education.
The source of the word Nimbus in Greek Mythology means a cloudy radiance said to surround a diety when on earth. We find this name particularly appropriate, since it also is a rain cloud — and we live in the rainy Northwest. We have even changed the traditional “Mystic” to “Mysti” to further reflect this rainy condition. Mardi Gras falls during the rainiest time of the year, but this gives us an opportunity to bring together family and friends and celebrate as if it were the middle of the summer. As we like to say, Laissez les bon temps rouler!