Carnival A-Z: Rex, King of Carnival

Each year the King of Carnival arrives in New Orleans on Lundi Gras to reign over the annual fete in his capital city, New Orleans. The man chosen for the role of Rex, King of Carnival and Monarch of Merriment is someone who is very active in the community and locally well known. On Mardi Gras Day he, along with his krewe – The School of Design, parade through the city presenting what is undoubtedly the most elaborate, ornate, and beautiful of the daytime parades.

The organization first paraded in 1872 as a way of welcoming the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia. In a time before the CVB Rex was the original event designed at bringing people into the city to enjoy those things that make New Orleans special, and the first tourist to benefit was the Grand Duke. The Grand Duke had developed a liking for a certain local actress who was performing in a musical at the time. Thus the official song of the organization became a little ditty from the musical by the name of “If Ever I Cease to Love.”

Also, the Rex Organization is the origin of the official colors Mardi Gras: Purple, Green, and Gold. In recent years the group has become one of the most socially conscious of the krewes with community service projects cleaning the city, working in schools, and helping the NOPD; the group has even decided, this year, to put emphasis on the green in purple-green-and-gold with biodegradable beads and cups.

One of the most beloved parts of the Rex Parade is the krewe’s mascot, the Boeuf Gras. The fatted cow today is only a float, but once was a real ox. Rex used the same bull for more than 20 years, but when he passed, he was not replaced. Now the krewe celebrates the boeuf gras not only with the float, but also with various throws including a stuffed boeuf gras.

As Mardi Gras Day approaches, becon the call to this wonderful day, and remember…

Hail Rex!