[Provided by Kevin Credo]

Okeanos Journeyed Across America at its 2025 Bal Masque

07:00 February 03, 2025
By: Kevin Credo

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.

[Alan Smason / Krewe of Okeanos]

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.

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