Every year, right around the time Mardi Gras celebrations are being held elsewhere, the Boutwell Auditorium of Birmingham is transformed into a carnivalâ€style ballroom to celebrate the annual Beaux Arts Krewe Ball.
The Krewe celebrated its 48th ball this past February, during which 29 young women of Birmingham made their debut into society. The Krewe doesn’t just gather each year to celebrate tradition and pageantry; the event is held in support of the Birmingham Museum of Art.
Long before the Beaux Arts Krewe was founded in 1967, the Beaux Arts Jewel Ball was held every year as a way to raise money for the museum. The Jewel Ball would have participants of all ages attend and all attendees would dress in costume that had something to do with different art themes. Groups would come up with costume ideas and present them in the parade that was held before the dancing began and prizes were given out to those with the best designs.