The Order of Butterfly Maidens was formed in 2000 by a small group of ladies who had been members of other parading groups. The idea was to create an organization that would stay fairly small, so members would truly get to know one another. Some groups are so large that some members don’t even recognize each other. OOBM paraded for the first time in 2003, and in 2021, members celebrated the group’s 20th anniversary. They do not have a royal court.
The group currently holds its ball at the Fort Whiting Armory, and the emblem, Madame Butterfly, wears a ball gown and beautiful butterfly wings.
In 2026, their theme is “Butterflies Back to the ’80s.” Expect to spot the emblem, Madame Butterfly, on the first of eight floats, plus bands, dance teams, baton twirlers, the “Rolling Elvis” group and more. Costumes are by Bienville Costumes.
In 2025, OOBM paraded on the night of Feb. 22, after the Maids of Mirth. While MOM took Route G, starting and ending at Cotton Hall, OOBM and the Krewe of Marry Mates followed Route A just as soon as MOM rolled by, starting and ending at the site of the former Civic Center. The OOBM theme was “Butterflies in Candyland.” Their emblem float by the Royal Artists was joined by a new title float and five floats rented from the Conde Cavaliers. Costumes were by Bienville Costumes.
