REX, KING OF CARNIVAL AND NEW ORLEANS AND COMPANY ISSUE OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION TO KICK OFF THE 2025 CARNIVAL SEASON
New Orleans tourism industry officials have joined Rex, the King of Carnival in issuing Rex's annual edict to the world that Carnival season is upon us and will be celebrated once again in 2025.
The organization does so while continuing to mourn the tragic loss of life that occurred in the attack in New Orleans in the early hours of January 1, 2025.
Carnival begins each year January 6, known as “Twelfth Night,” and lasts through Mardi Gras day, which falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Parades will once again roll according to the traditional schedule and imbued with sacred Carnival traditions and the season’s unique creative spirit.
“The Rex Royal proclamation continues a Carnival tradition more than a century old," said Walt Leger, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “We join Rex in inviting visitors to come enjoy New Orleans and learn about the majesty of our Carnival traditions. That people come from around the globe to be a part of it, creating such a tremendous economic impact for our people, businesses and city and state, is a testimony to the unique way we live and seamlessly blend creativity, history, culture, and celebration with business and innovation.”
Leger added, “New Orleans shines brightly and is a unique light in the minds and imaginations of those around the country and the world. That light will not be dimmed by a single evil act.” The Rex Organization began creating its Royal Invitation in 1872 when a group of young New Orleans leaders decided to issue invitations and a proclamation, inviting all to come to the Crescent City to join in its unique Mardi Gras celebration. In the days before mass media, broadcast, and tourism industries, the beautiful art posters and brochures were distributed in railroad stations, plastered on train cars, posted in centers of commerce, and placed in public buildings around the nation in major U.S. cities.
The 2025 Royal Invitation proclaims, "That the Festivities and Pageants arranged for this Celebration will surpass in joyousness and exceed in beauty the most brilliant attainments of the glorious past …”.
To see the invitation, please click here.