Ari Kelman: New Orleans spends a lot of time trying to segregate itself socially and racially, trying to figure out who's white, who's black, who's American, who's Creole, and that's what happens with Carnival. There's all the very, very complicated racial and social dynamics that play out during carnival. The different krewes represent different segments of the city's socio-economic and racial makeup. People are trying very, very hard to identify clearly who they are by joining certain krewes at Carnival.
Mother: Rex has always been a part of our family. Growing up, having a grandfather who was king. My grandparents, my parents, my uncles, my aunts were involved. They've been very active in the organization.
Queen: You see the queens and the kings every year when you watch the parade and you know its just, its just weird to think that its me this year. It's such an honor
Coach: We're going to do entrance to the ball but were not going to be able to walk the whole way. Remember stretch your arm out. Up. Walk in. Project to your audience. Good. Come on the floor. Y'all stand for a second. Good. Look at Rex, boss him around. Ok, Good. Good.
Mother: It's going to be a beautiful ball. It's all gold. And she's just going to come out with a big old smile on her face and just brighten up the whole room.
Coach: Out. Move your hands all the way around. End up looking at your pages.
Mother: It's just going to be beautiful.
Flag Man: Well, we have the royal flag here. I'd like to present this flag to you.
Mother: Holy Mackerel. I didn't realize it was this big.
Flag Man: This is yours. From the organization.
Dresser: Are you ready? Gee, I've never actually done this.
Mother: She knows all the cues and they have their signals, and she knows when to change her scepter from her right hand to her left hand, and she knows when to bow. And of course she's a little nervous, but she's got the stamina and she's got the poise that she'll handle it just beautifully. Look at her, doesn't she look gorgeous?
Father: It is a beautiful shawl. It really sparkles in the light too. You're such a pretty girl.
Queen: Aw, thank you.
Mother: The minute the monarchs step out on the floor, it is just breathtaking. Truly it's a play. They know the cues and they have their signals. And it's a beautiful set. They have fountains going, and the women are all dressed up all so pretty. And the men are all so handsome. And it's a big wow for anybody who's never seen it. Rex is the soul of our city. This is what makes it so unique and so charming. We're and old city. We've got these traditions that haven't gone away. Evidently they work.