Which two Carnival monarchs arrive by boat during New Orleans Lundi Gras?

Rex and Zulu King are the two Carnival monarchs traditionally associated with the Lundi Gras boat arrivals in New Orleans.

The custom recalls Rex’s grand river arrival, first staged in 1874. After landing, Rex and his court traveled by carriage to City Hall, where officials presented him with the keys to the city and symbolically began his Carnival reign.

The tradition faded during and after World War I, then was revived in 1971 for Rex’s centennial. In 1987, the riverfront celebration was formally presented as Lundi Gras, with Rex’s arrival joined by the Zulu King’s boat arrival. Lundi Gras means “Fat Monday,” the day before Mardi Gras.

The other choices are famous New Orleans krewes, but their parade appearances are not the paired Lundi Gras boat tradition. Rex represents the city’s Carnival monarchy, while Zulu reflects the historic African American Carnival tradition.