History & Culture

The tradition of Carnival Kings and Queens evolved from the elaborate masquerade balls of the 18th century French plantocracy. After Emancipation in 1838, formerly enslaved Africans adapted and transformed these celebrations, creating the spectacular individual costume competitions we see today. The competitions are divided into categories including Junior (under 18) and Senior divisions, with separate King and Queen titles. Costumes often weigh hundreds of pounds and require teams of people to help carry them across the stage. The designs typically draw from mythology, fantasy, African heritage, and social commentary.