Current and former queens of the Mystic Krewe of Iberians gathered Saturday afternoon to honor 2019 Queen Aria, Jamie Peet Halphen.

The luncheon was held at Beausoleil Restaurant in downtown New Iberia and featured more than 30 current and former members of the krewe’s royalty.

“We do this each year to welcome the new queen,” said Martha Girouard, president of Las Reinas Pasadas, the queen’s organization of the krewe.

Halphen is the krewe’s 72nd queen. She was introduced at the krewe’s bal masque on Feb. 16 at the Sugar Cane Festival building in New Iberia’s City Park.

The krewe’s theme for 2019 is “Vegas.” This year’s royalty drew their titles from the names of the Bellagio and Aria resorts in Las Vegas. 

The Mystic Krewe of Iberians was established in 1947. The krewe is New Iberia’s oldest and largest carnival organization with 324 couple members. Those interested in membership should email captain@kreweofiberians.com