For most of the world, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is known for its enormous parades and mega-krewes, but for locals, the tradition of political satire is the truest expression of the spirit and purpose of Carnival.

Peter Athas tells the story of the Krewe du Vieux and how his “sub-krewe”- the Krewe of Spank- have carried on that tradition with irreverent and unapologetic gusto.