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Nereids continue Mardi Gras tradition
“Everyone is really excited to be back to Mardi Gras, there is lots of camaraderie,” Bonnie McDonald, Krewe of Nereids spokesperson said. McDonald would know something about camaraderie. She has been a member of the influential Krewe of Nereids since its second year and has seen the joyous affect Mardi Gras can have. The krewe she belongs to has been around since 1992 and has continuously participated in the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Parade. The Nereid theme is a popular for idea for Mardi Gras krewes, with at least three groups between Gulf Breeze and New Orleans claiming the moniker: Krewe of Nereids. McDonald claims no affiliation with krewes from other states. The word Nereid comes from Greek mythology, and refers to the 50 sea nymph daughters of the Mediterranean Sea God Nereus. Nereus is often referred to as the “Old Man of the Sea,” and his daughters are portrayed in such classic literature as Homer’s Iliad. The Nereids are described as the gracious guardians of the ocean who often help seafarers in rough weather. Along with being ancient lifeguards, the Nereids were said to have escorted the powerful Poseidon as he fulfilled his duty as “God of the Sea.” How do these beings of ancient Greek mythology tie into the largely Catholic celebration of Mardi Gras? One can look to geography and American history for some answers. In America, most Mardi Gras traditions were transplanted from France to many cities along the Gulf Coast in the 17th century. To this day, these cities along the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans, Mobile and Pensacola to name a few, are still the major proponents of the holiday. With sea-faring culture intertwined with the long history of these great port cities, it is no wonder that diverse marine themes find their way into the celebration. The Krewe of Nereids on Pensacola Beach guard their decade of tradition with great loyalty and pride. The all-female, 30-member krewe always has a special theme prepared for each year’s parade, and award winning costumes to match. “In the last parade, our theme was the Roaring Twenties. Our best theme so far was the Mardi Gras Jester theme we did in 2000. We won the Grand Marshall trophy that year,” McDonald said. The Grand Marshall trophy is a traveling award that is presented to the krewe with the best overall parade presentation, including float decoration and costumes. Each year, the Nereids keep their theme a secret until their float is on public display at the parade. Being a Krewe of all women, the group always finds creative ways to keep their float building competitive. Each year the krewe coaxes a gang of “love slaves”, otherwise known as boyfriends, husbands and drinking buddies, to assist them with the laborious task of float construction. A love slave whose work separates himself from his fellow servants is often awarded the title of King, and members vote on an accompanying Queen. Despite the lofty possibility of being chosen as King, a majority of the love slaves revolted early on in Nereid history, forming their own group, the Krewe of Brewe. “They still pitch in, but now they have their own float. We didn’t mind, we just rounded up new love slaves,” McDonald said. The Nereids have a traditional King Cake party every year at which they name their yearly King and Queen. This year, Mike Hess, one of their first Kings passed away in November, and will be their honorary King. All previous Queens will serve as honorary Queens this year. The Krewe of Nereids and the Krewe of Brewe invite the public to join them at their annual Black Tie Ball, Saturday, Feb. 11 at The Dock on Pensacola Beach. Tickets are $30, and formal attire is required. The Southern Breeze Band and Boogie Inc will provide music for the festivity. Please call 438-1660 for ticket information. |
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