Carnival in the Nation's Capital: The Washington Mardi Gras Ball

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Courtesy of Capitol Park Museum.

King Marion 1985, George Rodrigue, oil on canvas. Loaned by Donna Edwards.

Back in 1944, Louisianans living in Washington D.C. during Carnival season, missing the festivities themselves, decided to seize the opportunity to introduce our nation's capital to the traditions of Mardi Gras. Eventually, Washington Mardi Gras expanded to three full days of parties, dinners, and other festivities—leading up to a grand formal ball presented by the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians. Louisiana's congress members play an integral part in the event—Senators Russell Long and John Breaux were captains of the Krewe for years, and today the organization is led by U.S. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise. The Krewe presents a royal court each Carnival, in addition to honoring around two dozen queens representing Louisiana's cultural festivals. An exhibition celebrating this unique extension of Mardi Gras to the nation's capital fills the gallery of Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, and includes regalia previously worn by the court, plus other costumes, photographs, posters, and memorabilia—highlights are the gown Hale and Lindy Boggs' daughter Barbara wore when she was queen in 1957, as well as George Rodrigue’s painting of Marion Edwards, the 1985 king. louisianastatemuseum.org.