What is the Rex Organization's Latin motto?

The Rex Organization’s Latin motto is “Pro Bono Publico,” meaning “for the public good.”

The motto expresses Rex’s longstanding emphasis on civic responsibility alongside its Carnival pageantry. Rex is best known for its Mardi Gras Day parade and its ceremonial role as the King of Carnival, but the organization has also used its public profile for community service.

Rex was established in New Orleans in 1872, and its motto dates to the organization’s early history. The phrase is not unique to Mardi Gras: pro bono publico is a widely used Latin expression for work performed in the public interest. It is also the source of the familiar legal phrase “pro bono.”

The motto can be confused with other Latin phrases associated with the United States or military life. “E pluribus unum” is a U.S. national motto, “semper fidelis” is associated with the U.S. Marine Corps, and “vox populi” means “voice of the people.” Rex’s wording instead highlights service to the public, a theme reinforced by its post-Hurricane Katrina community initiatives.