Traveling America
One of Mardi Gras' most celebrated institutions is
using its yearly theme to celebrate the wonders of the open road.
The Krewe of Okeanos, the venerable parade krewe that
has kicked off the traditional "super Sunday" before Mardi Gras, chose the
"Great American Road Trip" as the theme for its 2025 theme and 76th bal masque,
hosted at the Sheraton New Orleans.
Several stories above the streets of pre-Super Bowl
New Orleans, the krewe filtered in for the quintessential New Orleans ball
tradition. Members and family are candid in sharing the spirit of what makes
Okeanos such a unique krewe. For some, it's celebrated as a group that
maintains the traditions and rich design sensibilities of classical Mardi Gras
while remaining accessible and fun. Others see it as an intergenerational
family tradition that cherishes the specific feeling of the daytime parade
route on what is, debatably, the busiest day of the entire Carnival season.
Still, others reminisce about the hospitality of the parade and its rich
history collaborating with the former all-female Krewe of Venus, a
collaboration that still carries commemoration decades later. King Okeanos
2025, Mr. Burkes Smith, recounts the congeniality of his seven years of the
parade following a simple membership offer from a krewe officer at St. Joe's
Bar on Magazine Street. Following a chance to see the traditional "Okeanos Stakes"
day at the Fair Grounds and an initial ride, Smith was hooked on a path that
eventually led to kingship.
The celebrations began with the entrance music of the
Rummel High School jazz band and the presentation of the national anthem by the
Chalmette High School JROTC. The formal processions included presentations of
the float lieutenants, officers, and captain. The previous year's royalty
returned for a final torch-passing farewell procession, following the arrival
of the year's six maids, each representing iconic stops and locations all
around the United States including Hawaii, Las Vegas, the Statue of Liberty,
and more. Queen Okeanos 2025, Ms. Claire Deroche, received her title as per the
krewe's tradition of random selection and recipient of a gilded rose.
Following the ball, Okeanos' members and guests were
invited to an open house at the krewe float den on Sunday, February 2 and were
able to preview the full roster of the Great American Roadtrip's floats, as
well as a new double-decker float, "Hippocampus," named after the mythological
fish-tailed horse serving as steed of the titan Okeanos. Further celebrations
for the krewe include a private king's reception to be held on Jeudi Gras
Thursday.
For more information, see the Krewe of Okeanos website.