Rites, Rituals, and Revelry: The History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans

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The Historic New Orleans Collection, 1974.74.5

Procession of the “Mystic [sic] Krewe of Comus

"Procession of the “Mystic [sic] Krewe of Comus”; 1867; wood engraving with watercolor by James Earl Taylor, delineator

Once again this year, The Historic New Orleans Collection offers a Carnival-themed tour of its Louisiana History Galleries. Typically self-guided, items from the institution’s vast permanent holdings are used to explore the evolution of Louisiana from its precolonial days to the present. In this special guided tour, Rites, Rituals and Revelry: The History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, visitors will learn about the city’s Carnival traditions, beginning with celebrations during the French and Spanish colonial periods and in the early days of statehood. The tour also examines the development of other Carnival traditions such as the krewes of Comus and Rex, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Mardi Gras Indians, and the rise of new krewes. Tours run Tuesday–Sunday, starting at 11 am. $5. hnoc.org.