Krewe of Proteus

Founded in 1882, the Krewe of Proteus is the second-oldest krewe in Carnival history. Their floats even still use the original chassis from the 1880's.

The Krewe of Proteus parade is based on Egyptian mythology. Proteus was the son of Poseidon, herded Poseidon’s seals, the great bull seal at the center of the harem. He can tell the future, change his shape and will only answer to someone who can capture him.

Proteus withdrew from the parade schedule in 1992 but rejoined in 2000. Proteus was once known as the most miserly of the krewes in the area of throws. However, their trinkets now include 60-inch red-and-white pearl bead necklaces, plastic tridents and polystone medallions.

Like many of the traditional krewes, the King of Proteus is never revealed to public. His float is a giant seashell.