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While most people think of parades when they think of Mardi Gras, there are plenty of other traditions too. The King and Queen of each krewe work all year long for the big, spectacular ball. Their identity is a closely guarded secret and part of the mystique until the night of the Ball. Most of the balls are a formal and private affair for the The Rex Organization selects a theme for the Mardi Gras season, and the king and queen’s costumes and float designs are based on that theme. The selection of the king and queen is a highly anticipated event that takes place on the eve of Mardi Gras. Rex, the king of Mardi Gras, and his queen preside over the festivities on Mardi Gras day. Queen Chris and King John 2013. 2014: Queen Jane Martin Manning and King David Johnson begin their reign as Mardi Gras Royalty! 2015: Queen Ilana Rembelinsky and King Wayne Phillips. 2016: Queen Laura Lawrence and King Alan Spinrad. 2017: Queen Margo Phillips and King Phil Garfinkel. 2018: Queen Wendy Schumer and King Peter Charuhas. Hail For traditional male krewes, the king is usually a member of the krewe, while the queen is often a debutante. However, this varies from krewe to krewe, particularly women’s krewes, in which the queen is typically a member of the krewe. The King of Rex is considered the King of Mardi Gras, and the leader of the festival celebrations. Early Mardi Gras Balls . Mardi Gras balls have been around since Louisiana was a French colony. Just as we do today, Creole society kicked off the season on Twelfth Night with the King’s Ball (the Bal de Roi). The highlight of the evening was the cutting of the King Cake (the Gateau des Rois). The King and Queen are revealed on Mardi Gras night at the ball of their krewe. Debutantes also "come out" at the Ball Tableau. Coming out is a way of introducing a young lady into polite society, and while it is old fashioned it is still an important way for prominent families to "introduce" their daughters to the social world. These individuals are often prominent members of the community or celebrities chosen by the krewe members. The king and queen, along with their court, are presented during the ball and perform ceremonial rituals. 5. Ball Themes and Decorations: Mardi Gras balls are known for their extravagant themes and elaborate decorations. A “cultural revolution on wheels.” That's how the Krewe of ALLA describes its Mardi Gras parade this year. Named in honor of Algiers, La., the 93-year-old New Orleans krewe rolls through High-society balls involve rituals and protocols that hark back Europe’s pre-Enlightenment, tradition-bound ancien régime.In the 19th century, especially after the Civil War, members of elite Carnival organizations — seeking to evoke a world of romance and chivalry as a tonic for the social and political upheaval of Reconstruction — began acting out aristocratic fantasies by carrying on Mardi Gras Zulu King and Queen 2025: Celebrating Over 100 Years of Tradition. Rodney Mason, continues the legacy as KING ZULU 2025 with his wife, QUEEN ZULU 2025 Kristen Bonds Mason, by his side. The King and Queen of each krewe work all year long for the big, spectacular ball. Their identity is a closely guarded secret and part of the mystique until the night of the Ball. Most of the balls are a formal and private affair for the krewe. The Queen's bar crawl. Powell said the Mardi Gras season will help bring normalcy, joy and a reason to celebrate to the community after Tropical Storm Helene, which devastated Asheville last The krewe's King and Queen Lyonnesse XXVI, Ryan Joseph Droddy and Anna Bailey Day, reigned over the royal ball and Mardi Gras festivities. The Droddy family has been a part of the krewe since 2019 Friday, Feb. 9: Senior Citizens Mardi Gras Bash Adults ages 55 and older are invited to dress in Mardi Gras attire and dance the night away at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center, 2520 Pass Road from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A King, Queen, Grand Duke, and Duchess will be crowned. Asheville Mardi Gras, a nonprofit organization, will host its 16th annual parade and Queen’s Ball with Queen Madonna and King GiGi presiding. This year’s theme for the free, family-friendly Check out our mardi gras king and queen gifts selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our wall decor shops. Cedric Angeles. Every year, krewes recognize two young adults as the year’s Mardi Gras king and queen, and the pair is presented at a grand ball that typically includes a lavish coronation, live bands, dancing, and celebrating well into the night. The Queen's bar crawl. Powell said the Mardi Gras season will help bring normalcy, joy and a reason to celebrate to the community after Tropical Storm Helene, which devastated Asheville last September. KING & QUEEN CRAWL - Saturday 3/1/25 1) 6-7:30 Green Man at The Mansion, 27 Buxton Ave (Adults only) 2) 7:30-9 Eulogy Masquerade Ball, 10 Buxton Ave (Adults only) ROYAL PROCESSION - Sunday 3/2/25 1) 3:05 Asheville Mardi Gras Parade 2) 5:30 - 7 PM: Bear's Smokehouse BBQ, 135 Coxe Ave, 3) 7 - 8 PM: Antidote Cocktail Lounge, 151 Coxe Ave (Adults 2015 ~ Krewe Karrus Navalis ~ Queen Tricia Johnson and King Jay Johnson 2014 ~ Krewe of Blues ~ Queen Maureen Lee and King Norm Cain 2013 ~ Krewe of Blues ~ Queen Nancy Porto and King Jim Pilcher 2012 ~ Mystic Mafia ~ Queen April Davidson and King Shawn Brown 2011 ~ Krewe of Seville ~ Queen Sue Bruno and King Dave Moon
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