Popular comedian Will Ferrell, portraying the god of wine, will lead more than 1,200 members along the Uptown parade route for the super krewe that is a must-see on the Sunday before Mardi Gras. Forty years ago when Bacchus first paraded, it helped revive the New Orleans carnival by introducing the “super krewe” style and providing a parade that would draw visitors to town on the weekend before Fat Tuesday. Bigger, more elaborate floats and celebrity monarchs (the first was Danny Kaye) helped accomplish that goal and grow the club into one of the most popular in all of Carnival. Other famous monarchs in recent years have included Drew Brees, Andy Garcia, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, James Gandolfini and Elijah Wood. Some other beloved Bacchuses from the past included Bob Hope, Ed McMahon, Perry Como, Charlton Heston, Phil Harris and Kirk Douglas, just to name a few. Named for the Greek god of wine, Bacchus is also known for its signature floats, including the Kong family, the Bacchagator, Bacchawhoppa, and Bacchasaurus. The parade ends at the Morial Convention Center, site of the Bacchus Rendezvous.
