2016 Carnival Season’s inaugural krewe selects its first queen

4th January 2016   ·   0 Comments

By Kelly Parker
Contributing Writer

Because Mardi Gras comes early in 2016, Metro New Orleans will quickly transition from the Yuletide Season into the Carnival season, which will debut an all-new female Krewe, Pandora, which has no affiliation with a krewe by the same name that rolled along the streets of the New Orleans Gentilly area, into the parade queue.

Its maiden queen, Lydia Glapion-Days, the director of the New Orleans City Council’s research division, has no time to bask in the fact that she’s making history for as she states, “there’s much work to be done,” before her reign of Pandora’s inaugural parade on Lundi Gras, Monday, February 8, in Metairie.

But Glapion-Days, who is also a krewe co-founder, did take a moment to talk with The Louisiana Weekly about her upcoming reign as Pandora I, her royal regalia, what Pandora will bring to Jefferson Parish Mardi Gras and her place in Carnival history.

LW: What should parade goers expect to see in this inaugural parade?

LGD: All three founding members of Pandora are Krewe of Nyx original members, so this is the experience that we’ll bring to Pandora, which is a good thing. The people of Jefferson Parish will see something that is beautiful. They’ll see ladies who enjoy riding, enjoy the camaraderie and throw like nobody’s business!

LW: So, tell me about your dress? Are your fittings (and such) done?

LGD: Yes. The fittings are completed and the gown is completed; and it is beautiful! it’s breathtaking; and for a moment, it was magical. Even when I selected the crown and scepter—it was like: Oh my God!

LW: Tell me a little about how you became involved with this krewe. How you were chosen as Queen Pandora I, and what does it mean to have this honor.

LGD: I am a charter member of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx. Just prior to my joining Nyx, I assisted the board with navigating the city of New Orleans Mardi Gras permitting process. Because of this, I had the rare opportunity to watch how the ladies handle business, and get a feel for what they were about.

Fast forward several years…since the Nyx captain had been approached about bringing another Carnival krewe to Jefferson Parish, the three Nyx Executive Board members, the captain, co-captain and I (as Executive Director) decided to seize the opportunity. Many carnival krewes choose their royalty, so when I was asked by the president and captain of Pandora to represent the members of this newly organized krewe, I humbly and happily accepted.

LW: What are some of the duties and responsibilities that come with being a co-founder of a Krewe? What made you want to take on this challenge?

LGD: As a co-founder, there are a myriad of duties that are continuous and must be performed. The task is daunting, but the love of Mardi Gras, its revelry and ensuring a good quality and exciting parade keep me going. Also getting the “behind the scenes foundation laid,” recruitment, events, and coordinating all nuances of a parade and a Mardi Gras ball have to be focused upon. However, because we already have a successful blueprint in place with Nyx, there was no question that we could do it again!

LW: What are you looking forward to most during this reign?

LGD: It is the inaugural year for Pandora and I’d like for my reign to set the tone for the type of classy, festive and quality parade we will continuously bring to Jefferson Parish; to set the tone for the type of intimate, elegant and regal reigns of Mardi Gras royalty we put forth; to set the tone for providing a bit of Mardi Gras excitement that only “inclusion” (including women of all colors) can bring; and finally set the tone for becoming a part of the Parish and not just a yearly visitor in the Parish.

LW: Can you share a little about the personalized touches of the crown you’ll wear during your reign?

LGD: When selecting my crown, there were two things I decided I wanted to include. My brother, who was my mentor when it came to the pros and cons of Mardi Gras krewes, passed away in July of 2014. So because he was the one who really talked me through everything, I had one of the crystals in my crown removed and replaced with his birthstone, which is an emerald, so he will ride with me. Also, one of my (Alpha Kappa Alpha) sorority earrings is affixed to the left side of my crown. Those are two things that are extremely dear to me. As I ride, they’ll both ride with me.

LW: Can you talk a little about the significance regarding women of color in the leadership and/or royalty roles in Mardi Gras?

LGD: This is historic! I recognize that I am the first African American to hold the collective titles of Queen, Co-Founder and Board Member of any carnival organization that is not just an African-American krewe. Women of color in Mardi Gras leadership and royalty roles are still extremely rare. Today, very few opportunities exist, especially in organizations that includes all colors. I understand the significance of breaking that barrier. I understand the significance of blazing that trail. I understand the significance of the weight on my shoulders, and I understand that I am under the careful and watchful eye of everyone! However, I promise you that I will not disappoint those who are privileged to follow. My reign will be graceful and regal and a valued part of the community, making this step just a tad bit easier for another to repeat.

This article originally published in the January 4, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.