The Phunny Phorty Phellows celebrated the beginning of Carnival season with their traditional Twelfth Night Streetcar ride through New Orleans. Gathering at the Willow Street Streetcar Barn, the costumed men and women counted down the start of Carnival with a champagne toast before taking to the tracks for a ride to Lee Circle and back. The krewe was originally active in the late 19th century and was revived in 1981 with the motto “A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the best of men.” The Boss and the Queen are chosen based on whomever finds the babies in the King Cakes during the ride and are subsequently crowned at the Coronation Party.

Phunny Phorty Phellows were followed on the route by the Funky Uptown Krewe who ride their own streetcar, doling out beads, CD’s and other throws to revelers along the tracks. The Funky Uptown Krewe is celebrating their second year.