Rex Celebrates New Orleans Tricentennial with 2018 Theme

Rex, the oldest parading Carnival organization, presents its 137th parade, led by the Captain on his white horse. Thirty-three lieutenants on horseback appear in the 26-float procession, which brings history and beauty to the streets of New Orleans. Using traditional materials, Rex floats are rebuilt each year, most on old wagon chassis with wooden-spoke wheels.

The 2018 theme, “L’Ancienne Nouvelle-Orléans,” honors New Orleans as it celebrates its Tricentennial and presents elements of its rich history and culture. With a focus on its first century, float designs depict the people, places and events that shaped this unique American city. Beginning with float designs honoring “Father Mississippi” and the indigenous people who first lived here and concluding with a float depicting Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans, the 2018 Rex Processsion colorfully illustrates the men, women and events that first shaped the Crescent City.

Rex in the Classroom Materials Available

The 2018 theme offers wonderful opportunities to connect Carnival with classrooms. Once again, materials will be provided to help students explore the cultural, historical and artistic possibilities of “L’Ancienne Nouvelle-Orléans.”

Check the Rex in the Classroom area of the Rex website for more information, including parade notes and links.

Rex is bringing back a popular feature from past years, an opportunity for students to design their own floats using a downloadable PDF worksheet of a Rex float chassis. Student designs that are posted to social media sites should include a link to Rex's account:

• Facebook: Rex Parade
• Twitter: @RexParade
• Instagram: @rexparade