| No one really knows where or when the custom started -- and many of us don't care! Some people trace it to the Romans, whose pagan orgies were held during the spring season. A few other places celebrate Mardi Gras, but no one does it like New Orleans -- the City that Care Forgot!
The French in New Orleans were having private masked balls and parties in 1718. When the Spanish government took over, parties and street dancing were banned. It wasn't until 1827, when Americans were in power, that the right to party in mask was restored. During the 1850's, the city's elite and their elegant Mardi Gras parties were quite a contrast to the wild partying and near-rioting in the streets. It was soon clear that all celebrations were in danger of facing another ban.
In 1857, a group of men formed a secret society called the Mystick Krewe of Comus. They knew that Mardi Gras could be preserved with planning, organization, and management of the celebrations. Comus planned the first parade around a theme and used flambeauxs to light the procession. The Krewe of Rex formed in 1872 --principally to entertain the visiting Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff of Russia.
Since America didn't have royalty to properly welcome the Grand Duke, the men in Rex created a ‘King for the day’ so the Grand Duke could be royally received. They secretly anointed one of their own to be the King of Carnival.
Mockery is a hilarious characteristic of Mardi Gras! (To this day, many
parades keep their King's identity a secret until parade day.) Rich and colorful themes, maskers in original costumes and elaborately decorated and hand-painted floats all combine to make the annual
Rex parade the centerpiece attraction of traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras. This parade krewe is the origin of many traditions of Mardi Gras, including its colors of purple, green and gold, as well as the collectible doubloon coins (introduced by Rex in 1960). The Krewe of Rex consists of 600 male riders and will roll over Orleans Parish.
Mardi Gras has always been risque! Nowhere in America is ‘risque’ more a part of everyday life than in Hollywood. Each year the most famous performers from the world of TV and movies scamper to accept invitations to ride in these Mardi Gras Parades and enjoy good-ole Southern hospitality. In this regard, the 2008 version of Mardi Gras New Orleans was no exception as such well known stars as Hulk Hogan, The GO-GO’s, Kevin Costner, Harry Conick Jr., and ‘The Doobie Brothers’ joined the festivities. Once again Ascension’s own Kevin Kelly set the bar for imaginative and creative party hosts with his annual Thursday night gala. This year’s masquerade ball at Kevin’s was penned “New Orleans is Hollywood South”. Guests dressed as their favorite movie star or character. Princess Grace and King Sam, Kevin’s pet Labs, and true family members, held court for what was a memorable and fantastic Mardi Gras weekend.
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