The History of Mardi Gras and of the Krewe of Seville
The History of Mardi Gras
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.
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
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.
Past Royalty of the Krewe of Seville
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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:
2016: ZORRO! – King Jeremy Patterson, Queen Heather Reed
2015: TOGA! TOGA! TOGA! – King John Armentrout, Queen Cecelia McAdams
2014: The Great Gatsby of Seville – King Michael Wierzbicki, Queen Priscilla Brewer
2013: Heroes and Villains – King Curtis Krebs, Queen Yvonne Townsend
2012: Divin’ Deep (Under the Sea) – King Jeff Davis, Queen Lynette Dewberry
2011: Rock Stars – King John Townsend, Queen Laura Orr
2010: Let’s Ride! – King Dave Moon, Queen Sue Bruno
2009: Krewe of Seville Celebrates Pensacola’s 450th – King Joe Sharit, Queen Sylvia Ammons
2008: Krewe n’ Decision, Naughty or Nice – King Darrell Duke, Queen Robin Sharit
2007: Pirates of Seville – Krewez’n for Booty – King Art Reinauer, 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 Oddity – 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