Mardi Gras 2014

Mardi Gras 2014.  It’s always a fascinating time in New Orleans. Here are some photos from Proteus Parade in New Orleans on Monday,  March 3 which rolls during the evening. Here’s the krewe captain–the one who plans the year’s events for the kewe. Turns out we were standing by a someone who new the captain. He stopped to say hello to her.

The king or monarch always rides in a float with a giant shell and his identity is never revealed. The ball has an mythical ocean theme.

According to their web site: “Proteus is the Second oldest Parade at New Orleans Mardi Gras. Founded in 1882, Proteus (“PROH tee us”) The shepherd of the Oceans, is an early sea-god, one of several deities whom Homer the Old Man of the Sea has always held elaborate masked Tableau Balls and the most beautiful Street Parade to date.”
kreweofproteus.com

This parade has lots of masked riders on horses. It makes for a striking parade. Here are several of these riders who accompanied the captain as the parade came down St. Charles Street.

The Orpheus parade followes Proteus. The Orpheus krewe has a celebrity monarch each year. This year film director, Quentin Tarantino came. He appeared to be enjoying himself on the float, throwing cups to the crowd.