Glimpse Into the World of a Carnival Queen

Allison Slatten reigned as Queen of Osiris for 2013. Being a Carnival queen in New Orleans is not confined to a single evening, but encompasses a series of parties and activities leading up to the grand night the krewe holds its annual Mardi Gras ball. At this extravagant gala, the queen and king reign over the festivities that continue into the wee hours of the morning. Allison describes her experiences and explains the challenges and responsibilities of reigning as queen. Those unfamiliar with New Orleans' Mardi Gras traditions may not know that some Carnival krewes, such as Osiris, do not roll (have a parade). With origins dating to 1916, Osiris has a long and venerable history. Allison points out that tradition and lineage are of utmost important to krewe members. "My grandfather was [Osiris] King, and my great-grandfather was King, and without that lineage, I would not have been Queen," she says. Listen as Allison gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of a Carnival queen. Listen to the podcast here.