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Krewe of Proteus
Founded in 1881, Proteus is the second oldest parading organization in New Orleans.
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Carnival's second oldest parading organization was founded in 1882 and still holds to many old Mardi Gras traditions. The identity of the King of Proteus is never revealed, and the krewe was the first to introduce the custom of "call-outs" – when masked and costumed krewe members invite ladies to dance during the Mardi Gras ball. Known in Greek mythology as the shepherd of the ocean, Proteus was a god who acted as herdsman of Poseidon's seals. The old man of the sea possessed the gift of prophecy and the ability to change shape at will. From its first procession, Proteus has presented elaborate parades and tableau balls. Proteus did not parade from 1993 to 1999, but made a triumphant return in 2000 as the first and only night parade to roll in three different centuries. Proteus floats are also unique, made from papier mache and built on historic wagon-wheel bases that date back to the early 1880s.
Map
Krewe of Proteus Parade Route.
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