Knights of Sparta goes co-ed to accept former Nyx riders

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In the wake of the fallout surrounding the Mystic Krewe of Nyx, the Knights of Sparta announced Wednesday that they will now go co-ed, allowing the former members of Nyx to join their organization as the Mystical Order of the Phoenix. The krewe will parade together in one single-parade on the first Saturday of the Mardi Gras season in 2021.

Related: Nyx Captain will not resign over Social Post

Related: 5 Mardi Gras dance troupes rebuke Nyx

“The Mystical Order of the Phoenix was established to bring a higher level of diversity and inclusion to its Mardi Gras organization.  Through tradition, innovation, and group leadership, Mystical Order of the Phoenix will rise as a shining example of Carnival merriment, community service and sisterhood,” says Heather Nichols, the first Mystical Order of the Phoenix Board Chairman.

The new order will be an organization within the Knights of Sparta. The Founders are: Selina E. Boone, Kara Borasch, Karen Boudrie, Carla Catalano, Alison Frazier, Dawn Frick, Chanel Labat, Nikita ‘Mickey’ Milton, Heather Nichols and Gigi Saak.

“These riders, I think, are passionate about being a part of Mardi Gras, and they have to find a place to ride,” said Mardi Gras Guide Publisher Arthur Hardy. “There are only so many co-ed clubs that can take women, and only so many female clubs that can take women; so, the landscape is not wide-open. There are just so many spots available a lot of clubs take members, but if you are an all-male club the only way to do that, if its Nyx members, is to go co-ed.”

Some other former members of Nyx announced on Monday they are forming their own Mardi Gras krewe called the Krewe of Themis.

Related: Former Nyx members form new Mardi Gras Krewe

However, Hardy says that may not be so easy. “But remember, new parades would have to get a permit to parade, and there is a moratorium on permits with 34 krewes now, and city ordinance says we need to get down to 30."

Hardy says the city of New Orleans would have to lose five parades to be at 29 parades in order for a new krewe to get a permit.

“That being said, all it take is four votes from city council, and they can completely ignore their own ordinance,” Hardy said.

Hardy says even if Nyx doesn’t parade next year, the number of krewes will still need to be at 29 for new krewes to join according to the current city ordinance.

This all comes as the future of Mardi Gras is uncertain. Will there even be a 2021 Mardi Gras season?

“That is the biggest question,” Hardy said. “Its certainly couldn’t happen now."

 

News Release:

 

                                            New Female Mardi Gras Organization Established 
                                                   Mystical Order of the Phoenix Rises!!!
      Mystical Order of the Phoenix (Sisters of the Knights of Sparta) to Ride with Knights of Sparta in 2021
Striving to bring Sisterhood to a new level, a group of ten former Nyx float lieutenants have joined forces to establish the Mystical Order of the Phoenix.  This new organization rose from the ashes with the hope that a new vibrant Mardi Gras Organization could take shape and engage in community outreach and charitable activities. 
The Mystical Order of the Phoenix will join forces with the Knights of Sparta to parade on the first Saturday of the Mardi Gras season on February 6, 2021 as the Sisters of the Knights of Sparta.
The Mystical Order of the Phoenix’s ten founders are true Mardi Gras lovers and are dedicated to serving the community and providing an amazing Mardi Gras experience for riders and parade-goers alike!  The Founders are:  Selina E. Boone, Kara Borasch, Karen Boudrie, Carla Catalano, Alison Frazier, Dawn Frick, Chanel Labat, Nikita ‘Mickey’ Milton, Heather Nichols and Gigi Saak.
There is no captain, but rather a ‘rotating’ Board, which will govern the Organization together with the help of Float Lieutenants. 
“The Mystical Order of the Phoenix was established to bring a higher level of diversity and inclusion to its Mardi Gras organization.  Through tradition, innovation, and group leadership, Mystical Order of the Phoenix will rise as a shining example of Carnival merriment, community service and sisterhood,” says Heather Nichols, the first Mystical Order of the Phoenix Board Chairman.
As stated in its Bylaws, Mystical Order of the Phoenix believes women from diverse backgrounds and of all ages, and identities deserve to be adored, respected and allowed to let her inner Phoenix rise.  The Organization plans to hold various events and engage in various charitable activities and community outreach to improve conditions in the greater New Orleans area.  Additionally, Mystical Order of the Phoenix will join forces with their brothers in the Knights of Sparta as a part of the Spartan Society’s traditional parade down St. Charles Ave. on the first Saturday of the Mardi Gras season, February 6, 2021.
“We are so honored that the Spartan Society has opened its ranks to allow us to share in their beautiful parade and Bal masque,” Vice Chairman Gigi Saak said. 
Membership is now open for the Mystical Order of The Phoenix.  Applications are being accepted on their website at www.mootp.org