The Krewe of Prophets of Persia marked a century of private Carnival balls with a 100th anniversary bash at the Orpheum Theater earlier this month. The invitation-only affair doubled down on what the krewe is known for: theatrical tableaux, formal courts and costumes that look ready for a museum vitrine. For longtime members, the night was a reminder that some corners of New Orleans Carnival culture are still guarded by a small circle of insiders.
A century of private balls
Founded in 1926 and staging its first formal ball in 1927, the Prophets built a reputation for elaborate, theme-driven pageantry that most New Orleanians never witness firsthand. For its 100th anniversary, the krewe revived a coronation tableau modeled on Napoleon and Josephine,…..