Krewe of Bacchus

The Krewe of Bacchus is an organization that was founded in 1968 by Owen Brennan, Jr.[1][2] as one of the first modern "superkrewes," defined by their size, spectacular floats, and celebrity riders. It is named for Bacchus, the Greek god of wine.

Bob Hope as King of Bacchus in 1973

Bacchus was the first krewe to have celebrities appear as part of the parade. Past celebrities who have served as Bacchus include: Steve Guttenberg, William Shatner, Lorne Greene, Charlton Heston, Jackie Gleason, Bob Hope, New Orleans' own Pete Fountain, Phil Harris, Henry Winkler, Glen Campbell, Jon Lovitz, and more recently, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Michael Keaton, James Gandolfini, Gerald McRaney in 1992, Harry Connick, Jr. in 1993, Hulk Hogan in 2008, Val Kilmer in 2009, Drew Brees in 2010, Will Ferrell in 2012 and Jim Caviezel in 2017 and Jensen Ackles in 2019. Ron Howard's reign as Bacchus was canceled by the 1979 New Orleans Police Department strike which scuttled all official Mardi Gras parades within the city limits.

The 2009 Krewe included more than 1,350 members, and its parade featured 33 floats,[3] including its signature floats: the Bacchasaurus, a giant dinosaur; the Bacchawhoppa, an equally large whale; Bacchagator, an enormous alligator; and Baccatality, a 3-float procession made up of restaurateurs. The Baccamore', a love themed float, was introduced in 2008. In keeping with tradition, "Bacchus beads" and doubloons are thrown to revelers from the floats.

After a long absence from prime time television, Bacchus returned to the New Orleans airwaves in 2009, when NBC affiliate WDSU produced a five-hour live broadcast of the parade and ensuing party at New Orleans Morial Convention Center.

The Krewe of Bacchus parades during the New Orleans Mardi Gras, on the Sunday evening before Mardi Gras.

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Official website