Rex Proclaims Carnival

Today, during the traditional Kings’ Day celebration at Mardi Gras World, Rex, the King of Carnival, by royal edict, proclaimed Mardi Gras 2025.

Due to the tragedy on Bourbon Street, this year’s Kings’ Day ceremony was both a mournful remembrance of lives lost to an act of evil and a celebration of the joy to come this Carnival season. All 2025 parading krewes in New Orleans are dedicating this Carnival season to those who lost their lives and the loved ones they have left behind.

Rex Official James J. Reiss, III announced the King of Carnival’s proclamation and plans to visit “his beloved Capital City of New Orleans” to celebrate Mardi Gras. The theme of the 2025 Rex parade, La Belle Époque, was revealed.

The 2025 Rex proclamation, by New Orleans artist Cyn Carriere Sewell was revealed. The mixed media acrylic original depicts the dichotomies of La Belle Époque. La Fée Verte (the Green Fairy), is symbolic of the intoxicating extravagance and social freedoms characteristic of the Beautiful Era. Some of the iconic images from the 2025 Rex Parade are featured, including the central Eiffel Tower, Lady Liberty’s crown, Marie Curie’s discovery, Van Gogh’s starry night and sunflowers, and the risqué Can Can dancers of the Moulin Rouge.

Further information on the royal edict, the 2025 Rex parade and the 2025 Rex proclamation can be found in the Rex's Kings' Day 2025 press release. Notes on the 2025 Rex theme and parade, La Belle Époque, will be added to the Education Area of the Rex website.