Proteus
By Arthur Hardy

Carnival’s second oldest parading organization was founded in 1882. Known in Greek mythology as the shepherd of the ocean, Proteus was a god who acted as herdsman of Poseidon’s seals. The old man of the sea possessed the gift of prophecy and the ability to change shape at will. From its first procession, Proteus has presented elaborate parades and tableau balls. In 1893, the men introduced the custom of “call-outs,” a method whereby ball maskers invite ladies in attendance to dance. Proteus did not parade from 1993 to 1999, but made a triumphant return in 2000 as the first to parade in three centuries.