In 1937, as the Great Depression continued its grip on the nation, a group of New Orleans businessmen and professionals grew concerned about the city’s financial health and well-being. To boost residents' spirits and draw more tourists, they proposed extending the Carnival celebrations to the Friday night before Mardi Gras by creating a new parade on that evening. That led to the creation of the Mystic Krewe of Hermes, named after the Greek God of commerce and protector of travelers. 

Since that time, months or even years before a Hermes Evening Parade rolls uptown, hundreds of Hermes krewe members plan themes, build floats, and work with city officials to ensure a memorable and safe event for the thousands who come to watch and enjoy the parade. It is a love for New Orleans, a dedication to the city's future, and the chance to have a good time that motivates these dedicated krewe members. 

The serious work of creating and building floats starts with a parade theme. A theme, which can be developed years in advance, is always linked to historical events or figures that can be transformed into the elegant, beautiful floats Hermes is known for. A series of sketches is then made to guide the expert float builders, who are responsible for turning the designs into a moving work of art. 

Building the numerous floats each year can easily take twelve months to complete. The work starts the week after Mardi Gras and involves dozens of experts. 

Meanwhile, another group of krewe members is working diligently to review potential throws from manufacturers. Their aim is to find creative, high-quality products that will delight and surprise parade-goers. Each year, new throws are introduced, while popular items from past years are also included. 

A myriad of other details need attention throughout the year, including float riders’ costumes, recruiting the bands and other marchers from the region and across the country, hiring the flambeaux, and working with city officials on security and safety. 

All that effort pays off every year as hundreds of thousands of spectators line the parade route from Uptown to Canal Street to marvel at the beautiful floats and collect top-tier throws. Errol Laborde of New Orleans Magazine said of the Hermes spectacle: “Always visually exciting; it’s always one of Carnival’s most glamorous parades.”