Inside the Rex den: The history and floats of N.O.'s most celebrated parade
Credit: Photo by Chad Bower / Eyewitness News
Boeuf Gras, or Fat Ox, is the oldest symbol of Mardi Gras, according to Hales. In the early days of Carnival a bull would lead the parade, symbolizing the last meat to be eaten before Lent. The symbol was so prominent in France that Carnival was called Boeuf Gras, Hales said.
The Boeuf Gras is one of seven permanent floats in the Krewe of Rex. The remaining 20 are designed each year to fit the theme of the parade.
Click here to see a video of Hales explaining the origin of the Boeuf Gras.
