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The History of Mardi Gras
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Mardi Gras came to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. Early explorers celebrated this French Holiday on the banks of the Mississippi River. Throughout the years, Orleanians have added to the celebration by establishing krewes (organizations) which host parades and balls. Carnival quickly became an exciting holiday for both children and adults.
Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and of course is celebrated on that day of the week. The date can fall between February 3 and March 9 depending on the Lunar calendar, used by the Catholic Church to determine the date of Easter. Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.
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The official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colors were chosen in 1872 by the King of Carnival, Rex. He chose these colors to stand for the following:
- Purple represents justice
- Green stands for faith
- Gold stands for power
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The Mardi Gras season begins on January 6 and continues until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. On the Christian calendar, the twelfth day after Christmas is known as "Epiphany", "Twelfth Night", or "Kings Day." It is the day the gift-bearing Magi visited the baby Jesus, and is celebrated with its own unique rituals.
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The Krewe of Seville first participated in the Pensacola Mardi Gras celebration in 1997. Our Themes and Kings and Queens since that time have been:
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| Year |
Theme |
King and Queen |
| 2007 |
Pirates of Seville, Krewez'n for Booty |
King Art Reinaur
Queen Dorothy Dunaway |
| 2006 |
Krewe in de Nile |
King Paul Prat
Queen Tracy Johnson |
| 2005 |
Krewe in Paradise |
King Danny Johnson
Queen Mary Dickson Quina |
| 2004 |
Krewe Gone Wild |
King Bruce Newman
Queen Kelley Harris |
| 2003 |
Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves |
King Mark Brisch
Queen Peggy Rozman |
| 2002 |
Goes Hollywood |
King Rodney Dunaway
Queen Evelyn Reid |
| 2001 |
A Space Oydessy |
King Keith A. Sims
Queen Cathe Foster |
| 2000 |
Carnival |
King Jeff Williams
Queen Mary Samaras |
| 1999 |
Gilligan's Island |
King Roger Martinez
Queen Elisa Miller |
| 1998 |
Vegas Elvis |
Queen Jennifer Mattair
King Bill Strength |
| 1997 |
Barbers of Seville |
King Doug Mitchell
Queen Lee Benton |
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The Krewe of Seville