The Krewe of Bacchus is an organization that parades during the New Orleans Mardi Gras, on the Sunday evening before Mardi Gras. Bacchus was founded in 1968 by Owen Brennan, Jr.[1] as one of the first modern "superkrewes," defined by their size, spectacular floats, and celebrity riders. It is named for Bacchus, the Roman god of wine.
Bacchus was the first krewe to have celebrities appear as Kings of its parade. Past Kings of Bacchus have included: William Shatner, Lorne Greene, Charlton Heston, Jackie Gleason, Bob Hope, Jon Lovitz, and more recently, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Michael Keaton, James Gandolfini, Hulk Hogan in 2008, Val Kilmer in 2009, and Drew Brees in 2010.
The 2009 Krewe included more than 1,350 members, and its parade featured 33 floats,[2] including its signature floats: the Bacchasaurus, a giant dinosaur; the Bacchawhoppa, an equally large whale; Bacchagator, an enormous alligator; and Baccatality, a 3-float procession made up of restaurateurs. The Baccamore', a love themed float, was introduced in 2008. In keeping with tradition, "Bacchus beads" and doubloons are thrown to revelers from the floats.
After a long absence from prime time television, Bacchus returned to the New Orleans airwaves in 2009, when NBC affiliate WDSU produced a five-hour live broadcast of the parade and ensuing party at New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center.
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