Krewe of Carnivale en Rio

What’s a krewe without a king and queen, especially a Brazilian pair? Rio has its colorful royals, and you won’t believe their fantastic finery.

Each year, the krewe’s Directores select a lucky pair to portray King Dom Pedro and Queen Isabel of the Krewe of Carnivale en Rio. The honor for 2009 has been bestowed upon Cyrus Champagne and Kelley Bonnette Gauthreaux, both charter members of the krewe. The regal couple was presented at the Brazilian Sambada and reigned over all the festivities of the krewe’s fourth season.

The luck of the draw determines who gets to be on the Corte Real with our King and Queen. On the night of the Sambada, the names of these lucky members were drawn from all the members in attendance: Darren Babineaux, Ashleigh Dugas, H.L. Huffman, Dawn Quirk, Art Price, Jeff Riggs, Judy Swindle, Doug Trahan and Keith Trahan. See their fabulous photos at Corte Real 2009 Photo Album. Corte Real III (2008) Corte Real II (2007) Corte Real I (2006)