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According to Mardi Gras historian Arthur Hardy, of New Orleans, the tableau has been a Mardi Gras tradition since it was begun in the 1850s by the New Orleans Krewe of Comus. 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. The word "tableau" can mean two different things, even during Mardi Gras season. The Krewe of Tradition took the word tableau literally, defined as a motionless performance evoking a story or emotion, at its ball — also refereed to as a tableau — on Jan. 18. Here are the Top 10 Mardi Gras terms used in Louisiana and what they mean. Ball: A Mardi Gras ball or bal is a special event that Krewes host before their parades roll. They are usually opulent, formal affairs with costumes and dancing and often feature a tableau, which is the presentation of the royal court. BAL (Bal Masque, Tableau Bal) – A masked ball in which scenes representing a specific theme are acted out for the entertainment of club members and their guests, Krewe royalty is traditionally presented during the bal. BOEUF GRAS (French)- The fatted bull or ox, the ancient symbol of the last meat eaten before the Lent season of fasting. This exhibit showcases the New Orleans Mardi Gras Mistick Krewe of Comus in narrative and history. First-hand accounts from Mark Twain to Comus's first royal court to their grand tableaux are all described in detail with visual display. The history of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Mistick Krewe of Comus in narrative and history is also featured. The Krewe of Triton was founded and held its first annual Tableau and Ball in 1980. The initial philosophy of the Krewe was to create a “working man’s krewe” that welcomed all who wanted to enjoy the fun and merriment of Mardi Gras. The membership is restricted to men over the age of 21. 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). They staged parades that ended in theaters and ballrooms, where krewe members would present a series of tableaux based on the theme of their parades. Tableau balls, including those staged by non-parading organizations, came to be known as “Carnival Balls,” where debutante queens and maids were presented. The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with Bernard de Marigny funding the first organized parade, tableau, and ball. The tradition in New Orleans expanded to the point that it became synonymous with the city in popular perception, and embraced by residents of New Orleans beyond those of French Organized in 1917, the Krewe of Iris is the oldest and the largest female Carnival organization for women. Holding strong to the honored Mardi Gras traditions in its tableau ball and parade, Iris members always wear white gloves and masks, maintaining the "mystery" of the season. The Mystic Mardi Gras Krewe of The Lords of Leather, Inc. is the only leather-oriented Mardi Gras Krewe in the country — purportedly the world.A social organization based in New Orleans, Louisiana, our purpose is to function with “medieval” traditions as a leather-oriented Mardi Gras Krewe in addition to being a leather-oriented social club. 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. Mardi Gras Mass – St. Pius X Catholic Church, 4300 North Market, Shreveport, 9:00 a.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tableau begins at 7:30 p.m. at Natchitoches Event Center. Theme: Timeless The Krewe of Lyonnesse is a Mardi Gras krewe that allows children to experience the culture and splendor of Carnival season by serving as its members, on its royal court and in its tableau. Tuesday, February 18, 2025 – 12:00am to Sunday, February 23, 2025 – 11:59pm Entire Facility Feb. 16: 6:30 p.m. — Massacre Island Secret Society — A flame-lit street tableau with hand-made throws. March 1 – Mardi Gras Party, 5-9 p.m. at Talisi Old Town Grille, 301 Barnett The Krewe of Oberon Children’s Carnival became an independent Mardi Gras Krewe in 1975. The Krewe is known statewide for its historical significance, elaborate Tableau-Balls, exquisite costumes and instruction on poise and grace. It is this aspect of the spirit that novelist and journalist Robert Tallant had in mind when he observed, in his 1947 book Mardi GrasAs It Was, that Mardi Gras “will live through whatever catastrophes occur,” because it is, in essence, “a symbol of the art of being human, and wherever people are still human, wherever they still enjoy Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 12:00am to Sunday, February 16, 2025 – 11:59pm Entire Facility
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