After news that Mardi Gras celebrations have been canceled around New Orleans due to the ongoing pandemic, the Rex Organization announced its Carnival ball, typically held on Mardi Gras night, will be canceled in 2021. The cancellation breaks the tradition dating back to 1882 of the Meeting of the Courts of Rex and Comus, according to 4WWL.
"There will be no Rex, King of Carnival, in 2021 and no Queen of Carnival," said James Reiss III, an official with the krewe. He said that though the traditions are "wonderful and exciting," they aren't worth risking anyone's health.
Earlier this week, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said no Carnival parades would be allowed for health and safety concerns.
"Our members are disappointed but understanding at the same time," he said. "Nobody wants to be in the position we're in, but we understand why the restrictions have been put in place by the city and state. Unfortunately those restrictions wouldn't allow us to put on an event."
Reiss hopes the city can find a way to honor the Mardi Gras tradition in a safe way. Mayor Cantrell has asked for suggestions from different krewe captains of safer alternatives to Carnival.
"But I do think some sort of celebration later in the year with a Mardi Gras spin is a great idea," he said. "What a great way to potentially bring New Orleans out of the pandemic than to take one of our most cherished celebrations and have it come back in a different form — safely."
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