You know Carnival has begun when The Knights of Babylon roll! The annual Krewe of Babylon parade started at the uptown intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street, proceeding to Decatur St. on its traditional Thursday before Mardi Gras route. The krewe gathered with their 310 male riders and 27 floats to start the Mardi Gras season off right.
The Knights of Babylon were founded in 1939, by a group of professionals who referred to themselves as The Jesters Club. The club sought to roll a first-class parade to serve the public. The krewe is very dedicated to tradition, even using float designs back from its days of inception. For example, they still use flambeaux lighting (oil burning lanterns) and the King’s float is pulled by a group of mules.
The Krewe of Babylon consists of more than 300 knights and King Sargon, whose title originates from the Babylonian ruler. As per tradition, the identity of the current king is never revealed and his is to wear a veiled mask at balls. The krewe also prefers to keep their yearly themes a secret until the day of their parade. This year’s theme is “Just So Stories” by Rudyard Kipling, an English writer and journalist. Floats this year brought to life some of Kiplings’ works like: “How the Whale Got His Throat,” “How the Leopard Got His Spots,” “The Cat that Walked by Himself” and “The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo.”
Traditionally, each float in the parade represents a chapter in a continuing story with a musical, classical, or literary theme. Each float has tons of vibrant color and is often lit with various colored lights. Some iconic and recurring floats are The Carrollton Streetcar, Gates of Ishtar, and the fun Jesters Float. The krewes signature throws include: a light up jester on a stick, jester hats, doubloons, and various LED trinkets.
Immediately following their grand parade, the Knights of Babylon gather together to host a traditional tableau ball led by King Sargon and his queen. Krewe members attend in lavish dress, masks, and knight costumes. Babylon is one of a very few krewes left whose parade, tableau ball, and following supper dance all happen consecutively and uninterrupted.