Lundi Gras

The event was staged with the cooperation of Riverwalk Marketplace and its then marketing director Carol Thistle Lentz.

Once on dry land, Rex and his royal court were placed in carriages and driven through the streets to City Hall.

[citation needed] The Rex landing was a success, quickly becoming a treasured part of the Carnival celebrations which was unique to New Orleans, but no other country or parishes observed the Monday before Shrovetide.

In 1987, Rex once again made a grand arrival on the Riverfront at the foot of Canal Street but now with the phrase Lundi Gras attached to the events which would include concerts and fireworks.

The King of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club also participates in the modern version of the event; the Mayor of New Orleans usually attends as well to salute the two Carnival monarchs and turn over symbolic control of the city for the following day.

Early 20th-century postcard view of the arrival of Rex
"Rex" on the Coast Guard ship "Sweet Gum" at the Mississippi River front, Lundi Gras night (1993).
Arrival of King Zulu (2011).