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2009: Spirits of Spring
The 2009 Rex Procession illustrated the universal appeal of Springtime, with beautiful images of rebirth and renewal. From Persephone to Poseidon to Eostre, ancient cultures created legends, myths, and festivals celebrating the arrival of Spring after the harsh winter. Flowers, butterflies, and bears awakening from hibernation—all are portrayed in this tribute to the renewing joys of Spring. For New Orleans, Rex's Capital City, these symbols of new beginnings have special meaning as the city continues its process of rebuilding and renewal following the floods which followed Hurricane Katrina. |
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2008: Royal Rivers
The 2008 Rex Procession wound through the streets of one of the world's great river cities, but on every continent, and throughout history, rivers have played a central role in the growth of civilization. Ancient peoples gave them magical names, and ascribed to them god-like powers. Even the mythical underworld needed a river, the River Styx. Rivers became the earliest highways and routes for commerce, and opened the unknown world to exploration. Nowhere was that more true than in the New World, where rivers like the Amazon, the Hudson, the Mississippi, and the Missouri welcomed explorers and settlers. The 2008 "Royal Rivers" Procession was dedicated to B. Temple Brown, Jr., Rex in 1992, who for many years played a key role in the creation of our parades. Mr. Brown first imagined and proposed this theme; his initials were inscribed on the title float. |
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2007: The Lunar Realm
"The Lunar Realm," the title of the 2007 Rex Procession, featured more than twenty floats depicting myths, legends, poems, stories, and songs inspired by the moon. From beloved nursery rhyme subjects to images of moon gods and goddesses associated with ancient cultures, the 2007 Rex Parade brought to life the many inhabitants of "The Lunar Realm." The float honoring New Orleans, the "Crescent City," was the lead theme float, paying tribute to all of those who have helped our city as it continues to rebuild after Katrina. |
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2006: Beaux Arts and Letters
The 2006 Rex Procession stayed close to home. "Beaux Arts and Letters" celebrated artists and writers who have lived and worked in New Orleans. From John James Audubon to Clementine Hunter, and Tennessee Williams to John Kennedy Toole, floats in the 2006 Rex Parade recognized the rich cultural contributions of those who have lived in this unique city. |
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2005: Visions of Age-Old Cathay
The Rex Procession of 2005 explored "Visions of Age-Old Cathay," with floats depicting the wonders of Ancient China. Floats bore creations drawn from Chinese mythology, history, architecture, and religion. |
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2004: The Winged World
The 2004 Rex Procession's theme was "The Winged World," and featured winged figures from the mythology of many ancient civilizations, from the Phoenix to Pegasus, and from Cygnus to Quetzalcoatl. These winged creatures inspired a beautiful parade. |
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2003: Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase
The 2003 Rex Procession celebrated the theme "Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase," and was a highlight of the year long commemoration of this historic event. Floats honored those involved in the purchase, as well as each of the states formed from the newly acquired territory. |
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2002: Royal Jazz
The 2002 Theme was "Royal Jazz," and floats depicted the roots and history of this unique New Orleans musical form, as well as designs evoking some of the famous songs of the era, such as "Frog Leg Rag" and "Mahogany Hall Stomp." |
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