SMTX | BACK PAGE
A masked San Marcos citizen enjoys a carnival celebration held at an undisclosed house on Belvin Street.
Secret Historical Society It was the evening of January 6th in San Marcos, at a particular house on Belvin Street. The festivity for the Epiphany also known as Twelfth Night, the beginning of the carnival season, was being celebrated by masked members of San Marcos’ inner circle. City dignitaries, business people and pillars of the community filled the house. However, the conversation was mostly pleasure and little business. They were celebrating the efforts of those who support local historic preservation. It seemed, for them, a temporary reprieve from an uphill battle to keep San Marcos beautiful, and an opportunity to recognize those who work hard to preserve the San Marcos historic district. The coronation of a King and Queen, in the tradition of the Epiphany was celebrated formally, if not lightheartedly. The newly crowned, fêted as a pillars of the local historic conservation movement, ruled as king and queen of the Twelfth Night Masque. After the coronation and toast to the 2013 king and queen, the evening ended merrily with a fine time had by all, and with anticipation of next year’s royalty.
NOTES | CARNIVAL
Laughter could be heard from the street and before reaching the door, it was opened up by a doorman dressed in a tuxedo, and in view was another man in full traditional Mardi Gras costume. The list was checked for our names, and we were welcomed hospitably. At first, it felt like walking into a house filled with Kubrik-esque characters looking at us through their masks, intentions hidden. Within moments the owner of the house welcomed us with a friendly greeting.
KREWES Familiar to most of us here in Texas is the Mardi Gras celebration of New Orleans, which is run by Krewes. Krewes are organizations that put on balls or parades during the Carnival season, some more exclusive than others. Many Krewes make it a point to support charities or honorable causes.
MARDI GRAS The season of Carnival is celebrated all over the world. The celebrations that lead up to Mardi Gras are historically more about religion than beads, booze and boobs. Details of Christians partying hard in Jesus’ name can be tracked all the way back to 361 A.D.
The felling at the end of the night was we had just witnessed San Marcos’ first Krewe.
62 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 02.13
| Photo Eric Morales |