For centuries, masks have been used to delight and deceive. According to legend, actors at ancient Greek festivals began wearing very large masks bearing exaggerated expressions so the actors could convey different emotions and reactions to the immense audiences.

Today, in many cultures, masks are still incorporated into various ceremonies and rituals. One of the most well known masking traditions plays out during New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. The pre-Lenten festival also features masked partygoers at carnival balls and parades in the Caribbean, South America and Europe.

For Fancy Faces, a Covington-based family business, mask making has been the stock-in-trade for two decades. Talented artists create delicately adorned masks for every occasion imaginable. Each unique creation is handmade from a custom mold, poured, painted, kiln-fired and signed by the artist. Ribbons, lace and fabrics embellish the whimsical faces with festive flair. See the dazzling array of magical disguises at www.fancyfaces.com.

NORTHSHORE CARNIVAL PARADE SCHEDULE

Feb. 2    Krewe of Claude. Slidell, 1pm.

Feb. 8    Millennium Krewe. Slidell, 1pm.

Feb. 9    Krewe of Slidellians. Slidell, 1pm.

Feb. 15  Krewe of Bilge. Slidell, 12pm.

Feb. 16  Krewe of Perseus. Slidell, 1pm.

Feb. 21  Krewe of Eve. Mandeville, 7pm.

Feb. 22  Krewe of Push Mow. Abita Springs, 11am.
Krewe of Olympia. Covington, 5:30pm.
Krewe of Mona Lisa & Moon Pie. Olde Towne Slidell, 7pm.

Feb. 23  Krewe of Dionysus. Slidell, 1pm.

Feb. 27  Krewe of Aliases. Hammond, 6pm.
Krewe of Omega. Hammond, 6:30pm.

Feb. 28  Krewe of Selene. Slidell, 6:30pm.
Original Krewe of Orpheus. Mandeville, 7pm.

Mar. 1  Krewe of Bush. Bush, 9am.

Mar. 2  Krewe of Tchefuncte. Madisonville, 2pm.

Mar. 3  Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws. Mandeville lakefront, 11am.

Mar. 4  Krewe of Lions. Covington, 11am.
Krewe of Folsom. Folsom, 2pm.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.