Photos: The Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta Hotel

Trixie Minx and her fellow Fleur de Tease burlesque dancers got the final weekend of Mardi Gras off to a good start with the annual “Greasing of the Poles” ceremony at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street.

This year’s competition was hosted by actor and New Orleans native Bryan Batt and featured chef John Folse, actress Laura Cayouette, comedian Jodi Borrello, and Malcolm Jenkins of the New Orleans Saints as judges.

Saints players Thomas Morestead and Terron Armstead escorted the four competitors, and marching group the Pussyfooters also performed. The king and queen of Zulu and their entourage also participated.

All photos by Stephen Maloney.

greasing of the poles at the royal sonesta hotel