krewe of Mercury

The Krewe of Mercury is an all men’s krewe and was formed in 2000. The Krewe of Mercury symbolizes the god of trade and profit, merchants and travelers. Mercury was also known as the patron god of merchants. The Krewe of Mercury consists of Alexandria and local area businessmen, and currently has approx 50 members.

Mercury, the Roman god, is equated with Hermes, the Greek god. He is also known as Alipes, “with winged feet.” In Roman mythology, Mercury was the messenger of the gods. The wings on his helmet and sandals allowed him to travel very quickly to wherever a god might send him. He held a rod entwined with two serpents and wings, called a caduceus. The serpents on the caduceus protected Mercury. His worship was first established on the Aventine Hill in 495 BC. His festival, the Mercuralia, was celebrated on May 15, at which time merchants sprinkled themselves and their wares with holy water to insure large profits.

This year, the Krewe of Mercury Mardi Gras Ball will be held on Friday, February 6, 2015 at the Alexandria City Hall. Each year, the krewe selects a king, queen, and court to preside over the festivities. Past kings of the Krewe of Mercury that are still active in the krewe are:

King Mercury III Clint Duplechian
King Mercury V Dwayne Falks
King Mercury VII Mark Watson
King Mercury IX Randy Rabalais
King Mercury X Dennis Pope
King Mercury XII Harry Hawthorne, MD
King Mercury XIII Robert Abbott
King Mercury XIV Pat Arcement

The Krewe of Mercury owns a float and actively participates in the local Mardi Gras parade. This year, the Krewe of Mercury will be celebrating its 15th anniversary.