The Bal Masque
The annual Bal Masque, for the Mystic Krewe of Apollo - Birmingham, is scheduled for the first weekend of February each year. As the Krewe enters it's thirty-fifth celebration of the Mardi Gras season, you can rest assured that work is well underway to present an evening of costumes, entertainment, and revelry that the city of Birmingham has come to expect. With guests from all over the globe, this "Invitation Only" event is known as the largest formal event in the city of Birmingham. The dress code is strictly enforced as men don their tuxedos and women dress in their floor length gowns and venture to Boutwell Auditorium for the evenings festivities.
For the members of the Krewe, it isn't just a "Bal Masque Weekend", it's a "Bal Masque Year" as preparations for the following year begin almost immediately with the election of the Krewe Captain for the next ball taking place the first weekend of March. From that point forward it's work, planning, fund-raising, and some fun time too, as everything moves towards the first weekend of February when the true party begins.
One week prior to the ball, active and honorary members and former royalty come together for The Lieutenant's Party, hosted by the Bal Masque Lieutenants. It is at this party where the identity of the soon to be crowned King & Queen Apollo is "officially" revealved for the first time. On the evening preceding the Bal Masque, the traditional Captain's Party is held, to welcome out-of-town guests and friends of the organization. On the Sunday, following the ball, the out-going King & Queen host a brunch or luncheon in honor of their successors.