NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The royals made their grand entrances into the Big Easy for Mardi Gras 2024!
Hitting the streets in full regalia were some prominent names leading carnival parades, such as singers, actors, DJs and even some popular locals as they have been named kings, queens, and grand marshals this Mardi Gras season.
Krewe of Nefertiti
New Orleans’ very own Terriona “Tank” Ball, lead singer of Grammy-nominated group “Tank and the Bangas” hailed as Grand Marshal of The Krewe of Nefertiti on Sunday, Jan. 28.
The krewe paraded through the streets of New Orleans East in the vibrant colors of orange, pink, yellow, and purple with Ball riding on the Grand Marshal float with a headdress dawning sunflowers, roses and feathers with gold accents.
Ball took to social media after the ride and posted to Facebook:
“Thank you Nefertiti! You are some Extraordinary Exceptional Women and it was an honor to ride with you and be your Grand Marshal!!! We coming back New Orleans East.”
Ball is the lead singer for the Emmy and Grammy-nominated group “Tank and The Bangas,” whose musical sound is a mixture of spoken word, soul, hip-hop, R&B and Jazz. Known for her collaborations with artists like Norah Jones, Lalah Hathaway, Big Freedia, and Robert Glasper, she is also an author, with the publishing of her poetry book entitled “Vulnerable AF.”
The theme for the all-female krewe was “Bloom Where You are Planted.” A theme that Captain Zenia Smith said stems from the krewe’s belief in the power of community and the importance of embracing and nurturing one’s surroundings “showcasing the beauty of New Orleans East.”
Krewe of Bacchus
“Entourage” star Kevin Dillon was selected as Bacchus LV for the 55th annual parade.
Dillion is a comedian and New York native better known as “Johnny” from the HBO drama.
Dillon’s most recent work includes his starring role in the thriller film “Mob Land” and the comedy “Buddy Games: Spring Awakening” directed by Bacchus LII Josh Duhamel. He is also famous for his television show appearances such as performances in “Blue Bloods,” “The Simpsons,” “24,” “That’s Life” and “NYPD Blue.”
“We are thrilled that Kevin Dillon will be joining us as Bacchus LV,” said Brennan. “Kevin follows in our long tradition of outstanding entertainers who delight the crowds and make Mardi Gras even more enjoyable,” said Krewe of Bacchus Captain Clark Brennan.
The parade rolled on Sunday, Feb. 11 on its traditional uptown route with the theme “Take A Number Please,” which included 32 hand-painted floats all with titles containing numbers.
Krewe of Endymion
For the 58th annual parade, the Super Krewe of Endymion selected New Orleans Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño and New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick to reign as co-grand marshals.
Endymion Krewe officials praised Montaño for his public service leadership and expressed their gratefulness for his commitment to the city and passion and service to Mardi Gras celebrations.
Krewe leaders selected Kirkpatrick for how she embraced the city’s unique culture with enthusiasm and care.
We are thankful for her leadership and are deeply appreciative of her commitment to our citizens,” said Endymion officials.
The 3,200 all-male member krewe rolled on Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 4 p.m. on an extended route.
Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club
The Krewe of Zulu has made its through the city on Fat Tuesday and to Galier Hall where Mayor LaToya Cantrell raised a glass to royalty, wishing them well on their ride.
The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club began their ride at 8 a.m. at the corner of South Claiborne and Jackson avenues.
Hailing as King Zulu for 2024 was longtime club member, Melvin Labat. In his 26 years, he has been known to have the longest tradition of community service in the organization year-round. His favorite event to host is the Toys for Tots giveaway.
Hailing as Queen Zulu was Angelique Roch. Royalty runs in her blood as her mother reigned as Queen Zulu in 1996 while her sisters were also maids.
Roche said her first time attending the parade was at three months old.
“I also want to thank the city of New Orleans, because Mardi Gras is one of the things that brings everything, holds our culture and our community. It continues to show who we are not just as a city but as people,” said Roche.
Krewe of Rex
The King and Queen of Carnival and the Krewe of Rex reigned supreme on Fat Tuesday in their ride through New Orleans
Rex began its roll at 10:30 a.m. and made its way through the Uptown route onto Gallier Hall, where Mayor LaToya Cantrell lifted a toast to the krewe’s royalty.
Hailing as King of Carnival is John Menge Eastman, an Airforce and U.S. Army veteran and retired businessman, who, for years, has been doing volunteer work for the community.
“Mr. Eastman is deeply appreciative to the Rex Organization for the honor of serving as the 2024 King of Carnival. He feels great humility in joining the parade of past Rexes and feels blessed knowing that there are so many other members equally deserving of the honor. Mr. Eastman is committed to continuing to represent those institutions and agencies that work to bring to life Rex’s motto, Pro Bono Publico, for the public good, in the community we all love so much,” according to Rex Organization.
Hailing as Queen of Carnival is Elizabeth Brent Montgomery. She is currently enrolled at the University of Alabama pursuing a career in marketing, she is also a graduate of Trinity Episcopal and Isidore Newman schools.
In between her studies, Montgomery said she has incorporated community service throughout her years.
“I’ve always loved doing service, I’ve always loved being involved, and I’ve done it since I was a little girl. So, whenever there is an opportunity for me to be able to give back or help or just be involved in anything, I take advantage of it and will always,” said Montgomery.
Many generations of Montgomery’s family have served the Rex Organization and her great, great, great, great grandfather, Albert Baldwin, was King of Carnival in 1876.
Mystic Krewe of Barkus
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus announced their four-legged royal court and this year they came in their finest royal threads.
The theme of the roll was “Barkus and Barbie: Pawsitively Pink!
This year’s parade was led through the French quarter by King Barkus 2024 Bentley Burton Jurgens, a tri–English Bulldog; Queen Barkus 2024 Bea Broussard, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; and Celebrity Grand Marshal Pippa the three-legged Dog, a mixed breed.
Other 2024 Barkus royalty included Grand Duke Gumbeaux Pittman, Grand Duchess Truffles Bush, Princess Royale Innocence Alexander, Duke Cooper Carringer, Duke Memo “Mozart” Mackey, Duke Nizi Tringali, Duchess Ti-Henna Hall, Duchess Apple Skaggs, Duchess Velvet Turoff, Duchess Sunny Babin, Duchess Peppi Zullo, Duchess My’iah Terrebonne, Duchess Molly Murphy and Duchess Zoe Konard.
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