Mardi Gras with a Jewish slant

Despite the designation of Mardi Gras as a Roman Catholic holiday, New Orleans Jews have long found themselves quite at home enjoying the festivities associated with this unique celebration.

Touro Synagogue ready for Carnival 2014. (Photo by Alan Smason)

It might surprise some to learn the first King of Carnival was Louis Solomon, a successful Jewish merchant who helped bankroll the inaugural Rex parade in 1872. While no other Jewish Rex has ruled the streets of New Orleans since, Jews have been an integral part of several of the Mardi Gras krewes who organize the many parades featuring colorful floats and festooned riders.

The founding captain of the Krewe of Mecca was retailer Irvin Zoller. When his New Orleans organization merged into the Metairie-based Knights of Sparta, Zoller became the captain emeritus. The current captain of the Knights of Sparta, whose identity is traditionally kept secret, is also Jewish.

Two Jewish sub-krewes of the Krewe du Vieux and the Krewe Delusion – the Krewe du Mishegas and the Krewe du Jieux, respectively – roll through the streets of New Orleans as marching groups 17 nights prior to Fat Tuesday.

Hail, Queen Mildred! Mildred Covert regined as queen of Vista Shores Mardi Gras celebration. (Photo by Alan Smason)

Of all the Jewish religious institutions  only Touro Synagogue is situated along major parade routes. The Reform synagogue builds a reviewing stand for members and guests to view parades, especially for the Saturday and Sunday prior to Carnival Day.

This year’s Queen of the Vista Shores assisted living facility was none other than resident Mildred Covert, the beloved Jewish cookbook author and erstwhile actress. A New Orleans City Council resolution recognizing her was read by City Councilperson Stacy Head last Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the facility amid great hoopla among the residents and guests.

Approximately 175 people showed up to see Covert and the two other members of the royal court.