The Mardi Gras Carnival Film Added to National Film Registry

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The theme of the 1898 Rex parade was Harvest Queens, with floats representing bountiful displays of fruits and vegetables. In this still photograph from the 1898 parade film, riders are seen on the Cherries float. (Photo credit: Eye Filmmuseum)

The Library of Congress is adding a Louisiana film from 1898 to its registry. The Mardi Gras Carnival film is being added. It is the oldest surviving movie of the Rex Mardi Gras parade that took place in 1898. The footage captures an early clip of New Orleans history showing the parade goers, floats, and riders.

The National Film Registry adds 25 American films a year. The registry has the Wizard of Oz listed and Thomas Edison’s early experiments.

This 1898 Mardi Gras film was recently featured in the Rex: The 150th Anniversary of the School of Design at the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans. The film is actually still available for viewing at the Louisiana State Museum and can be watched on Youtube. The link is posted below.

SOURCE: LOUISIANA STATE MUSEUM