The Corps de Napoleon was established in 1980 to give Jefferson Parish an excitingly different approach to Mardi Gras. From its inception, the Corps de Napoleon's goal has been to honor the French heritage of New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. Unlike other organizations who chose Greek or Roman mythological figures as their namesakes, the Corps de Napoleon instead looked to France for its roots and selected Napoleon, France's greatest hero.
The Corps de Napoleon parade is organized similar to the manner by which Napoleon organized his armies during his reign. After Napoleon conquered a country, a new army would be formed and be referred to as a "Corps", combining with other units from different countries to form Napoleon's Grand Army. Similar to the French army, this Carnival organization is made up of Corps, or float groups, each headed by a Lieutenant.
As this "army" of bead, cup and doubloon-throwing revelers roll through Metairie on the Sunday evening before Mardi Gras Day, the Corps are led by its Captains and Officers (representing military figures). The Captains and Officers float feature a sculpture which depicts David's (Dah-veed's) painting of Napoleon crossing the Alps during the Italian campaign. The Emperor Napoleon and Empress Josephine are also depicted by the royal monarchs as they reign over the parade, Coronation Celebration, and After-Parade festivities. The Emperor's float depicts the "Arc de Triomphe" in Paris and is pulled by a team of four white horses.
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| Waterloo firing a paper storm from its confetti cannons. |
For it's Twenty-Sixth Annual Parade, the Corps de Napoleon will present its title float tandem, "Waterloo", complete with its confetti-firing canons.
The 2007 parade will consist of:
25 Floats
14 Marching Bands
8 Dance Teams
6 Jazz Bands
3 Clown Units
3 Horse Units
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The Corps de Napoleon designed and built the following floats:
- Captain & Officers
- Emperor Napoleon
- Empress Josephine
- Title Float - and Tandem (Waterloo)
- 4 Maid Carriages
All of the other floats featured in the parade were designed for the use by the Corps de Napoleon by McKinley Cantrell.
All member and Court costumes, as well as the maids plumed collars are designed and fabricated by D&D Creations, owned by Diane and Ray Barrilleux.
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