The Treasures of Bacchus
For more than half a century, the Krewe of Bacchus has
presented one of, if not the single, biggest spectacle of New Orleans Mardi
Gras.
From its massive membership roster, huge quantities of
specialty throws, massive illuminated and animatronic floats, and world-famous
celebrity monarchs, Bacchus is nothing short of one of Carnival's most epic
celebrations. None other than NBA legend, philanthropist, businessman, and LSU
alum Shaquille O'Neal will be taking the crown in 2025.
Balancing its larger-than-life scale with a flair for its
Louisiana roots, Bacchus has chosen "Louisiana Fairs and Festivals" as its 2025
theme (festivals being a malleable and popular motif this year, if both New
Orleans' Bacchus and Biloxi's
Nereids are anything to go by). Bacchus is a parade that goes
all-out not only with its monarchs and production design, but with its throws
as well, creating dozens of custom pieces accenting the general parade, the
royalty, the officers, the king, the yearly theme, and even individual floats
within that theme. At Bacchus's Open House on Sunday, February 16, riders and
their families got to preview the floats and throws over crawfish bread, Lucky
Dogs, and Mardi Gras Indian performances.
As for just a sampling of some of Bacchus' best throws
up-for-grabs on March 2, the parade riders will be generously parting with
dozens of original doubloons, an equally-large number of highly-coveted sock
pairs, custom cookware, plastic and aluminum cups, and miniature basketballs
honoring Shaq. In addition, dozens of floats are offering custom glass beads in
commemoration of Jazz Fest, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, the Madisonville
Wooden Boat Festival, Tales of the Cocktail, and much, much more.
The Krewe of Bacchus will parade on its traditional
Uptown route beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. The parade will conclude
with the Bacchus Rendezvous at the Morial Convention Center. For more
information, see the Krewe
of Bacchus' website.
