Mardi Gras

New Orleans' new Mardi Gras krewe hopes to parade early in 2026. There will be camels.

BY DOUG MACCASH | Staff writer
Apr 24, 2025

The krewe has chosen to parade on the evening of Jan. 5 because the Maji would have been “making their way” at that time.

The Backstreet Cultural Museum honors age-old traditions while keeping an eye on current culture

BY DOUG MACCASH | Staff writer
Apr 19, 2025

The Backstreet Cultural Museum, a trove of Mardi Gras Indian suits, Baby Doll costumes and second-line paraphernalia, is expanding. Saturday is the grand opening of the museum’s new second-flo…

Will President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports affect Mardi Gras?

BY DOUG MACCASH | Staff writer
Apr 4, 2025

The new tariffs announced by President Trump on Wednesday could affect the prices and availability of everything from automobiles to whiskey, including imports particularly close to the hearts…

Three Easter parades are coming up in New Orleans' French Quarter, plus one bunny bar crawl

BY DOUG MacCASH | Staff writer
Apr 2, 2025

Note: The map of the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade and description of its route has been updated.

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Former queens of Caliphs of Cairo ball gather for Carnival memories

Victor Andrews
Mar 26, 2025

Those who wore the crown at the Carnival ball of Caliphs of Cairo gathered recently at the New Orleans Country Club for memories and mirth at a luncheon. Shown attending are, seated from left,…

This 'foolish' New Orleans parade rolls on April 1: See the route, theme and special throws

BY DOUG MACCASH | Staff writer
Mar 26, 2025

In its 9th year, this year’s parade theme is “Dress to the Nine, Let the Gold Shine.”

Queens of Elves of Oberon meet for Carnival luncheon

Mar 24, 2025

The queens of the Elves of Oberon ball met recently at Ralph's on the Park for their annual Carnival luncheon. Seated from left are Katherine Grace Walshe, Mary Brooks Allen Rodrigue, Mary Bur…

YMIC royalty gathers for Carnival luncheon

Victor Andrews
Mar 20, 2025

The former queens and honored maids of the Young Men Illinois Club gathered recently at the Audubon Park Clubhouse to share remembrances and each other's company. Shown are, front row from lef…

Former Phunny Phorty Phellows queens have annual tea at Backstreet Cultural Museum

Victor Andrews
Mar 15, 2025

The annual Queens Tea of the Phunny Phorty Phellows was recently held at the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Standing are, from left, Pat Jolly, Dee Hurtt, Sarah Hoffpauir, Eileen Curtis, Patricia…

Dorians former queens gather for Mardi Gras luncheon

Victor Andrews
Mar 14, 2025

The former queens of the Krewe of Dorians' balls gathered during the Carnival season to share memories and mirth at Commander's Palace. Shown attending are, seated from left, Ann Lindsey Wilhe…

Comus queens reunite for Carnival memories at annual luncheon

Victor Andrews
Updated Mar 18, 2025

The queens who wore the crown of the Mistick Krewe of Comus ball on Mardi Gras in years past gathered recently for a luncheon to share memories and merriment during the Carnival season. Shown …

Severe weather threat prompts Krewe du Pooch dog parade in Mandeville to move to Sunday

BY BOB WARREN | Staff writer
Mar 11, 2025

Hoping to avoid possible severe weather on Saturday, the annual dog parade in Mandeville will be moved to Sunday, officials said.

Beads, beers, and a big ol’ mess: New Orleans cleans up after a successful Mardi Gras

BY DAVID GRUNFELD | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Mar 10, 2025

St. Charles Avenue in the New Orleans Warehouse District is cleaned up after the Zulu parade on Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Former queens of Babylon gather for Mardi Gras luncheon

Victor Andrews
Mar 10, 2025

Scrim skips the 2025 Barkus parade, but 'Real Housewives' put in surprise appearance

BY DOUG MACCASH | Staff writer
Mar 10, 2025

Crowds lined the streets of the French Quarter on Sunday afternoon for the final Mardi Gras event of the 2025 season. The annual dog-centric Mystic Krewe of Barkus parade was originally schedu…

Photos: Mystic Krewe of Barkus trots with style through the French Quarter after rescheduling

By SOPHIA GERMER | Staff photographer
Mar 9, 2025

The 32nd annual Mystic Krewe of Barkus paraded through the French Quarter to the theme, "Vanity Fur: Barkus Rules the Runway!" The parade was rescheduled to after Mardi Gras due to weather.

Photos: Elks and Crescent City truck parades, rescheduled from Mardi Gras, roll on shortened route

BY SCOTT THRELKELD | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mar 9, 2025

Jennifer Coolidge talks New Orleans Mardi Gras, Muses shoes on Jimmy Kimmel Live

BY HANNAH LEVITAN | Staff writer
Mar 7, 2025

Actress Jennifer Coolidge appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live Thursday night, where she gushed about the unique elements of New Orleans Mardi Gras and coveted parade throws like the Muses shoes.

NOPD announces new schedule, route for 3 Mardi Gras parades postponed for weather

BY HANNAH LEVITAN | Staff writer
Updated Mar 6, 2025

A new schedule and route have been set for three Mardi Gras parades that were postponed for bad weather, the New Orleans Police Department announced Thursday.

Photos: Rex and Comus meet as 2025 Mardi Gras comes to a glittering conclusion

PHOTOS BY DANIEL ERATH
Updated Mar 7, 2025

After the revelry of Mardi Gras, the traditional end to the Carnival season is a stately pair of formal balls. The glittering conclusion was, as always, the meeting of the courts of Rex and Comus.

Nell Nolan: Meeting of the Rex and Comus courts on Mardi Gras caps the Carnival season

BY NELL NOLAN | Staff writer
Updated Mar 6, 2025

After the double grand march at the conclusion of the Carnival season of almost two months, the monarchs of the Rex Organization and of the Mistick Krewe of Comus, founded respectively 1872 an…

Anne Rice threw big parties at her New Orleans 'Mardi Gras house.' Here's what they were like.

BY POET WOLFE | Staff writer
Mar 6, 2025

From her decadent tales of vampires to her trove of antique French Bru dolls, Anne Rice undoubtedly carried an aura of mystique. Though one thing was certain of the Gothic novelist: her love f…

Now that Mardi Gras is over, 40 days of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday in New Orleans. See photos

By CHRIS GRANGER | Staff photographer
Mar 5, 2025

Past queens of Hermes gather for luncheon

Mar 5, 2025

Ready for Mardi Gras 2026 in New Orleans? Here's a preview of all parades, with dates and maps.

BY DOUG MACCASH | Staff writer
Updated Mar 5, 2025

The 2026 New Orleans Carnival season starts on Saturday, Jan. 6, and concludes on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, Feb. 17.

When is Mardi Gras 2026? Get ready for a shorter Carnival season.

BY MARCO CARTOLANO | Staff writer
Mar 5, 2025

Carnival season has come to a close. While some of you may still be recovering, plenty are likely already thinking ahead to next year's festivities.

Mistick Krewe of Comus ball glistens as Mardi Gras in New Orleans comes to a close

Victor Andrews
Mar 5, 2025

The grand finale of Mardi Gras 2025 came Shrove Tuesday evening with the traditional Meeting of the Courts of the Mistick Krewe of Comus and Rex during the Comus bal masque at the New Orleans …

Imperial reception of Rex gilds Mardi Gras 2025 celebrations

Victor Andrews
Updated Mar 5, 2025

Following 153 years of tradition, Rex descended from his summer palace on Mount Olympus high above the Vale of Tempe for his annual ball and imperial reception Tuesday at the Sheraton New Orle…