Torchlight & Bringing the Warmth

History of Torchlight & Bringing the Warmth

Minnesotans know that winter can’t last forever, which is why the Vulcan Krewe is responsible for overthrowing Boreas at the conclusion of carnival and bringing the warmth back to Minnesota! The end result remains the same each year, but an overthrow of King Boreas each year continues to be exciting year after year!

Did You Know?!

Both legendary Kings of the Winter Carnival are buried within sight of each other at Oakland Cemetery in St Paul. Each year the new Vulcan Krewe pays tribute to their original Fire King before they take to the streets and continue the legend of the defeat of King Boreas.
What eventually becomes the Vulcan’s “Royal Chariot” (a 1932 fire truck) rolls off the assembly line in Luverne, Minnesota. The fire truck first performs years of service for the St. Paul Fire Department and eventually is donated to the Vulcan Krewe who aptly names their fire truck, “Luverne” and is considered the 9th member of the Vulcan Krewe.
Tradition dictates that no member of the Vulcan Krewe is allowed to sit down until the (True) King, Vulcanus Rex sits down first…

Below: Dick Nickerson (holding saber) - long-time Winter Carnival supporter

More Great Resources

Looking for more great history about the Saint Paul Winter Carnival? Visit the Minnesota Historical Society’s online database and the Ramsey County Historical Society’s online database and search, “Winter Carnival.”

Thank you to the Minnesota Historical Society; the Ramsey County Historical Society; archives of the Pioneer Press and “Fire and Ice” by Moira Harris for helping contribute to this collection of history!