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What began with rowdy street parades in the early 1800s has evolved into the opulent, illuminated floats we know today – these parades usually conclude with a ball of some sort.
But many don’t realize there are more than 100 traditional balls that take place without parades. The most glittering spectacles happen behind closed doors, staged by krewes for their members and privileged guests.
Each ball typically introduces a king and queen whose identities are kept secret. This adds to the mystique until the queen’s name is made known that evening. The more aristocratic balls are formal and private in nature.
– A former krewe captain who must remain anonymous