Krewe History

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The Legendary Tucumcari Mountain of New Mexico!

​​The Krewe of Tucumcari was established by several fun loving couples from Baton Rouge in 1947.  While vacationing out west along Route 66, they toured a town in Tucumcari, New Mexico.  These couples learned of a story of love and tragedy.
 
Two of the finest Apache warriors vied for the hand of the Apache Chief Wautonomah’s daughter, Kari. Her love for Tocom was great, but he did not survive the battle with Tonopah.  So distraught was Kari – she took her knife, killed Tonopah and then took her own life.  Stricken with grief, the Chief was heard repeating the names of the warrior and his daughter, “Tocom and Kari”…“Tocom and Kari”.  Hence the Legend of Tucumcari!
 
Thus, our two lovers have been immortalized in romance and mystery through the memory and magic of Baton Rouge’s oldest Mardi Gras Krewe bearing their combined name – Tucumcari!
 
Since 1947, the all-male Krewe has hosted an annual Mardi Gras Ball.  In the early years, the members’ wives assisted.  With a desire to control their own festivities, several of these ladies subsequently formed an all female organization - Krewe of Romany in 1949. 
 
Today, as we continue our reign as Baton Rouge’s oldest Mardi Gras Krewe, we extend to you a very special place in honor as a member of our Royal Court of Tucumcari!