King Bacchus

In 1969, Danny Kaye was chosen to be the first King Bacchus for one of the most celebrated parades in New Orleans.

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Here is a compilation of articles and information.

(The following links were provided by Liz. Thank you!)

Krewe of Bacchus - History - some history of the Bacchus parade (mentions Danny as the first King Bacchus)

Krewe of Bacchus - Kings - a list of kings and themes (scroll to the bottom to find Danny's picture)

This picture is from nola.com

“Danny Kaye Is King Of Parade”

Sarasota Journal – Feb. 17, 1969

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Comedian Danny Kaye, toasting his reveling subjects from a golden throne atop a float, portrayed the fun loving King Bacchus, God of Wine, here Sunday night to highlight the Carnival celebration leading up to Mardis Gras.

The 15-float Bacchus parade, with its theme of “The Best Things in Life,” was one of six Carnival parades which rolled through New Orleans streets Sunday despite gray skies and chilly temperatures.

Thousands of spectators gathered along the procession route as the rollicking Bacchus led his cortege, throwing doubloons and carnival “throws” to the on-lookers who scrambled for them.

Kaye seemed to enjoy his role, as he danced atop the float to the delight of the crowd. Kaye broke tradition, as he was a non-resident of New Orleans chosen to be King Bacchus. He also broke another tradition—throwing beads to the crowds himself.

“Mardi Gras keeps police on the hunt”

The Windsor Star – Feb. 17, 1969

[only portions pertaining to Danny have been included]

Comedian Danny Kaye was to reign Sunday night as “King Bacchus The I” and break tradition as one of the first “outsiders” to serve as king of one of the major Mardi Gras events. Bacchus as also to forego the usual tableau and ceremony of a carnival ball and instead was to hold a dinner-dance in the huge new Rivergate Exhibition Centre.

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