Thread: New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade

YouTube - Great Old Footage of Mardi Gras in New Orleans - circa 1956

These are incredible!!!!!!!!!

YouTube - Mardi Gras 1941 New Orleans

Mardi Gras 1900

Founded in 1857, Comus, though it no longer rides because it refuses to let in Black (or other non-White) members, is along with Rex, Momus and Proteus one of the "Big Four" old money New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewes.

In 1857, Comus appeared. Six men formed a secret group and invited thirteen others to join. The official name was The Mistick Krewe of Comus. An oath was taken by each member owing to identity secrecy. Costumes were obtained from a Mobile theatre and names were secretly selected for invitations.
On February 24, 1857, the first Comus parade appeared. Krewe members donned costumes at their den and formed a line to march at 8:00 pm. Torchlights were used and set ablaze. Bands played music and Comus (his Satanic Majesty) rode atop a float. Krewe members followed on foot. Ball theme: The Demon Actors in Milton's Paradise Lost
In 1858, Comus put on its first parade. Thirty members presented its Mystick Krewe parade, which established a tradition. An exquisite ball followed with general dancing. Ball theme: Mythology

During the Civil War years, 1861-5 there was no Comus

1872 - Grand Duke Alexis of Russia occupies a special box at the ball. Ball theme: Dreams of Homer

1875 - No ball due to conditions preceding the overthrow of carpetbag rule

1877 - Ball theme: The Aryan Race

1884 - Krewe's first court introduced. Ladies in beautiful gowns filled the French Opera House. President Jefferson Davis, General A. D. Hill and daughters were present. Daughters of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were also present. After the tableau, Comus called out Mildred Lee as his partner. King and Queen dance. Lee decreed first Comus Queen. Daughters, the first Maids of Honor. Ball theme: The History of Ireland

1892 - As Proteus presented its display on Monday night, Comus resumed its Mardi Gras night celebration. Lively maskers in Oriental robes greeted the Queen, Winnie Davis(daughter of Confederate President Jefferson Davis). Japanese costumes were presented for the entire court, as well as Royal jewels. Ball theme: Nippon, the Land of the Rising Sun

Comus

Though like Comus, it no longer rides because it refuses to accept non-White members, Momus still meets every year.