About
The Krewe of Gabriel has been the pivotal force in making Lafayette Mardi Gras what it is today – the finest, most fun-filled and family-oriented Mardi Gras celebration in the South. The Krewe’s membership includes civic and community leaders, including respected and prominent philanthropists, educators, mayors, oilfield innovators, business leaders, physicians, attorneys, board chairs, bank presidents, and state legislators. Several of the Krewe’s members are descendants of Lafayette’s founding families and third-generation members of the Krewe. The Krewe and its members serve as protectors and promoters of our cultural heritage and carnival traditions in Acadiana.
The Krewe of Gabriel was formed in 1949 by a group of Lafayette’s leading businessmen at the suggestion of Dr. James Comeaux, who went on to reign as King Gabriel in 1950. The first Commodore of the Krewe of Gabriel was F.K. Dowty, and Board Members included Albert Miller, John Edward Broussard, Robbie Castille, H.J. Lagroue, Herbert Abdalla, Dr. James Comeaux, Henry Heymann, Frank Myers, and Dr. Edgar Breaux.
The City’s Carnival rulers, chosen by Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association, were officially named King Gabriel and Queen Evangeline in 1934 upon a suggestion by Miss Edith Garland Dupre. Gabriel and Evangeline are named for the beloved characters of Longfellows’ epic poem, Evangeline, a story of lovers separated during the Acadian exile of 1755. Tradition holds that King Gabriel is a member of the Krewe and Queen Evangeline is a daughter of a member of the Krewe.
For years, King Gabriel, like King Attakapas before him, roared into Lafayette on a Southern Pacific locomotive that had been transformed into his royal throne. Herbert Abdalla (King Gabriel XXII) used the train for the last time in 1961. Today, King Gabriel rides high atop the King’s float to lead the Krewe’s King Gabriel Parade beginning at 10 a.m. each Mardi Gras day.
Serving as the culmination of the City’s multi-day celebration, on Mardi Gras Day, the King’s Parade rolls through the streets preceded by local dignitaries and accompanied by many marching bands. The parade is composed of large and colorful floats, each loaded with several tons of throws, and manned by masked members of the Krewe who blanket the City’s excited revelers with countless beads and other trinkets.
On Mardi Gras evening, as the City’s official Carnival Rulers, His Majesty Gabriel and Her Majesty Evangeline along with their Maids and Dukes, are presented and honored at the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association Pageant and Ball.
When one speaks of the finest traditions of Mardi Gras, one speaks of the work of the Krewe of Gabriel.
A bead in every hand and a smile on every face!
Parade Route
10:00 a.m. Mardi Gras Morning
King Gabriel’s parade rolls each Mardi Gras morning from the intersection of Simcoe, Surry & Jefferson Streets and ends at the University of Louisiana’s Cajun Field. The parade typically last approximately 3 hours.
Mardi Gras Countdown Clock
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
City Ball
8:00 p.m. Mardi Gras Evening
Heymann Performing Arts and Convention Center
Formal Attire Required
His Majesty Gabriel and Her Majesty Evangeline, along with their Royal Maids, Dukes, and Pages, are presented and honored at the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association Pageant and Ball.
P.O. Box 52932