Founder, Shanda Washington

Rooted in tradition and guided by vision, I am proud to bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to a new community while honoring the culture that shaped me.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, I have celebrated Mardi Gras as a way of life for as long as I can remember. The traditions, culture, and sense of community have always been a meaningful part of who I am, and those values have followed me wherever life has taken me.

I am also a devout Christian, and I approach these traditions with a clear understanding of their purpose and meaning. For me, Mardi Gras is not about excess, but about heritage – a time to honor our native roots in New Orleans through cultural expression, family and community. It is a celebration reflected in the traditions of dressing in ceremonial attire, often inspired by indigenous influences, and coming together through music, dance, food, and fellowship.

In 2011, I relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where I continued to embrace and celebrate the rich Mardi Gras traditions of the region. After leaving and spending time in Texas, I returned to the Coast in 2020 to be closer to family in Louisiana. While Louisiana will always hold my roots, I found a deep connection to the coast and chose to remain close to family while enjoying life on the Coast.

Life eventually brought me to Carthage, Mississippi, where my husband resides, and this is now the place I proudly call home. With that comes a vision- to bring the spirit, tradition, and cultural richness of Mardi Gras to this community in a meaningful and intentional way.

Krewe de Bayou Magnolia was founded from that vision: to create something that honors tradition, strengthens community, and establishes a legacy that can be carried forward for generations to come.