In New Orleans Carnival season begins on Twelfth Night, January 6, and ends on the night of Mardi Gras. Carnival Balls of the different Carnival organizations are held almost every night and Comus, the Lord of Misrule and the oldest Carnival organization in New Orleans, holds the final ball of the season. The balls are strictly formal and by invitation only.
Almost all plans for the 2006 season had been made by the time Katrina struck. The Queen of each ball along with her maids and attendants already had their gowns designed and the logistics of the balls worked out. The only catch was that the Municipal Auditorium which had held the balls since 1930 was flooded by Katrina waters and may never be restored. Organizations had to seek places to hold the events in hotel ballrooms which are also in short supply. Many of the participants in the Courts and balls lost their homes to Katrina but insisted on going on in spite of everything.
The world of Carnival in New Orleans, as everywhere else in the universe, is one of pageantry and make believe. It is also in keeping with the spirit and mystery of Carnival.
Here, the young pages of Comus bow to the Captain of Comus near midnight as the 2006 Carnival season closes out its 150th year.