In the 1960’s being gay was not only “politically incorrect,” but it was also illegal. A person could lose their job, family dignity, and in some cases one’s life. It was a time when one didn't openly admit to their homosexuality.
The Krewe of Petronius takes its name from the chronicler of decadent Rome, Gaius Petronius Arbiter and to this day we continue to celibate the sometimes-hidden world of gay themes and icons. The Krewe of Petronius is the oldest active gay Carnival in the world.
Yuga, formed in 1958 is considered the first gay Mardi Krewe and in 1961 would hold its first hidden ball in Jefferson Parish at Miss Dixie’s. However, the police would raid the ball for what many considered a “lewd stag party.”
Jumping from windows in fear of being arrested most would be apprehended, hunted by policemen and the K-9 division.
Carlos Rodrigues, who was crowned the first queen of Petronius, was arrested after his sequined bathing suit caught the eye of the police. Nearly 100 were arrested, handcuffed, fingerprinted and held for bail.
The Yuga ball was and is stilled considered the most extravagant and glamorous, but sadly it would be its only ball held. Just one week before the police raided the Yuga Ball, several members of Yuga came together and formed the Krewe of Petronius in 1961. The Krewe held its first ball on Saturday, February 17, 1962, at the Rambler Room, a dance studio in Metairie off of Veterans Blvd.
The original founding members would obtain a state charter and incorporate themselves as a legitimate Carnival krewe in 1966!
Making Petronius the first gay krewe and recognized like any other Mardi Gras Krewe. It was at this point, the Krewe understood that the format of its ball would have to change and all guests were required to wear tuxedoes or gowns, a tradition still observed today. Petronius would become known as the “Grand Dame of Gay Carnival.” Today the ball is held at the St. Bernard Civic Center one of the first publicly owned buildings to open its doors to gay krewes.
The Krewe of Petronius takes its name from the chronicler of decadent Rome, Gaius Petronius Arbiter and to this day we continue to celibate the sometimes-hidden world of gay themes and icons. The Krewe of Petronius is the oldest active gay Carnival in the world.
Yuga, formed in 1958 is considered the first gay Mardi Krewe and in 1961 would hold its first hidden ball in Jefferson Parish at Miss Dixie’s. However, the police would raid the ball for what many considered a “lewd stag party.”
Jumping from windows in fear of being arrested most would be apprehended, hunted by policemen and the K-9 division.
Carlos Rodrigues, who was crowned the first queen of Petronius, was arrested after his sequined bathing suit caught the eye of the police. Nearly 100 were arrested, handcuffed, fingerprinted and held for bail.
The Yuga ball was and is stilled considered the most extravagant and glamorous, but sadly it would be its only ball held. Just one week before the police raided the Yuga Ball, several members of Yuga came together and formed the Krewe of Petronius in 1961. The Krewe held its first ball on Saturday, February 17, 1962, at the Rambler Room, a dance studio in Metairie off of Veterans Blvd.
The original founding members would obtain a state charter and incorporate themselves as a legitimate Carnival krewe in 1966!
Making Petronius the first gay krewe and recognized like any other Mardi Gras Krewe. It was at this point, the Krewe understood that the format of its ball would have to change and all guests were required to wear tuxedoes or gowns, a tradition still observed today. Petronius would become known as the “Grand Dame of Gay Carnival.” Today the ball is held at the St. Bernard Civic Center one of the first publicly owned buildings to open its doors to gay krewes.
