Mardi Gras Parades 2026 in New Orleans: Schedule of the Most Important Krewes

Mardi Gras 2026 in New Orleans runs from February 12 to February 17, culminating on Fat Tuesday, and features a full week of parades, festivals, live music, and street celebrations across the city. Beyond the famous parade routes, visitors can explore cultural traditions, food experiences, nightlife, and free local events. This guide covers the best things to do during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, including official events, local traditions, and must-try experiences.

Krewe of Rex

Parade Day: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Mardi Gras Day)

Founded: 1872

Route: Uptown to Downtown New Orleans

Classification: Traditional Krewe

Rex serves as the official King of Carnival and has represented New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition for more than 150 years. The krewe established the official colors of Mardi Gras—purple, green, and gold—in 1872. On Mardi Gras Day, Rex marks the ceremonial conclusion of Carnival season with a formal procession featuring classical float themes and riders in traditional dress and masks.

The Rex proclamation and royal court ceremony remain central to the parade’s identity. Float designs follow historic styles, emphasizing pageantry over spectacle.

Ideal for visitors seeking authentic Carnival tradition and formal Mardi Gras Day observance.

Krewe of Zulu

Parade Day: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Mardi Gras Day, morning)

Founded: 1909

Route: Uptown New Orleans

Classification: Traditional Krewe

Zulu is one of the most culturally significant krewes in Mardi Gras history and has operated for more than a century. The krewe honors African American Carnival traditions and is known globally for its hand-decorated coconut throws, which are among the most sought-after items at Mardi Gras. Zulu traditionally parades in the morning hours before Rex on Mardi Gras Day.

Riders wear signature krewe costumes and distribute beads, doubloons, and the official Zulu coconuts along the Uptown route. Strong attendance has continued throughout the krewe’s history, making it one of the most watched parades of Carnival season.

Well suited to collectors of signature Mardi Gras throws and those interested in historic African American Carnival culture.

Krewe of Endymion

Parade Day: Saturday, February 14, 2026

Founded: 1967

Route: Mid-City to Downtown New Orleans

Classification: Super Krewe

Endymion is one of the largest parades of Carnival season by float count, rider participation, and crowd size. Founded in 1967, the krewe pioneered the use of extended floats and technologically advanced designs that set the standard for modern Super Krewes. Endymion’s non-Uptown route through Mid-City makes it accessible to a broader geographic audience than traditional parades.

The parade concludes with the Endymion Extravaganza, an officially sanctioned post-parade event. According to official Mardi Gras parade schedules published by New Orleans tourism authorities, Endymion is consistently among the most attended Saturday parades of Carnival. Float themes vary annually but maintain high production value.

Appeals most to first-time Mardi Gras visitors and those seeking large-scale spectacle.

Krewe of Bacchus

Parade Day: Sunday, February 15, 2026

Founded: 1968

Route: Uptown New Orleans

Classification: Super Krewe

Celebrity participation defines Bacchus, which was founded in 1968 to bring nationally recognized figures into Carnival as monarchs. The krewe maintains a focus on large-scale floats and traditional throws while incorporating contemporary entertainment elements. Nearly six decades of operations have made it one of the most attended Sunday parades of Carnival season.

The krewe follows the traditional Uptown route, with themed floats designed for visibility and engagement. Bacchus established the model for celebrity participation in modern Mardi Gras parades.

Best for: Families and visitors seeking a balance of tradition and contemporary Carnival entertainment.

Krewe of Orpheus

Parade Day: Monday, February 16, 2026 (Lundi Gras)

Founded: 1993

Route: Uptown New Orleans

Classification: Super Krewe

High production standards have defined Orpheus since its founding in 1993, making it one of the most prominent Super Krewes of the modern era. The krewe officially closes the Uptown parade schedule before Mardi Gras Day and parades on Lundi Gras, the night before Fat Tuesday. Signature throws include official Orpheus doubloons and beads.

Float design emphasizes scale and lighting effects, particularly during evening viewing hours. The krewe combines traditional Carnival structure with entertainment-focused presentation. Orpheus has become a defining event of Lundi Gras along the Uptown route.

Ideal for evening parade viewers and those attending Lundi Gras celebrations.

Krewe of Muses

Parade Day: Thursday, February 12, 2026

Founded: 2000

Route: Uptown New Orleans

Classification: All-Female Krewe

Hand-decorated shoe throws define Muses, one of the most prominent all-female Mardi Gras krewes. Founded in 2000, the krewe is known for these signature throws, which are krewe-made and officially sanctioned. Float themes often feature satirical commentary and artistic design, distinguishing Muses from more traditional parades.

The parade takes place during the first major weekend of Carnival. Shoe throws are among the most recognizable signature items at Mardi Gras, and collectors line the Uptown route annually.

Well suited to art and design enthusiasts and collectors of unique Mardi Gras throws.

Krewe of Iris

Parade Day: Saturday, February 14, 2026

Founded: 1917

Route: Uptown New Orleans

Classification: Traditional All-Female Krewe

Iris is one of the oldest all-female krewes in Mardi Gras history, established in 1917. Tradition and family participation define the krewe, with multiple generations often involved in parade operations. Iris features a large float count and classical Carnival themes, maintaining the presentation style of early 20th-century parades.

Iris parades on the same day as Tucks and Endymion. This makes Saturday, February 14, one of the busiest parade days of Carnival season. Over a century of continuous operations has secured its place as a fixture of the official Mardi Gras calendar.

Appeals most to multi-generational families and those interested in traditional all-female krewe history.

Krewe of Tucks

Parade Day: Saturday, February 14, 2026

Founded: 1969

Route: Uptown New Orleans

Classification: Traditional Krewe

Satirical humor and parody define Tucks, founded in 1969. The krewe represents the irreverent side of Carnival. Float themes tie to current events and pop culture, prioritizing creativity and comedic commentary over formal pageantry. Over five decades of operations have maintained a strong local following.

Official throws include beads and novelty items that reflect annual themes. Tucks parades as part of the Saturday Uptown lineup alongside Iris and Endymion.

Best for: Locals and repeat visitors seeking humor-driven Carnival commentary.

Krewe of Thoth

Parade Day: Sunday, February 15, 2026

Founded: 1947

Route: Uptown New Orleans (extended route including hospitals and care facilities)

Classification: Traditional Krewe

Accessibility defines Thoth, one of the longest-running Uptown parades since its founding in 1947. The krewe was designed to pass hospitals and care facilities, making it accessible to residents who cannot attend other parades. Traditional float design and classical Carnival themes remain central to the krewe’s identity.

The extended route distinguishes Thoth from other Sunday parades. Nearly 80 years of continuous operations have maintained its reputation as a family-friendly viewing option.

Ideal for families with young children and those seeking accessible parade viewing.

Krewe of Proteus

Parade Day: Monday, February 16, 2026 (Lundi Gras)

Founded: 1882

Route: Uptown New Orleans

Classification: Traditional Krewe

Traditional Carnival symbolism defines Proteus, one of the oldest active Mardi Gras krewes. Founded in 1882, the krewe maintains 19th-century parade customs, including classical float design and formal ceremonial elements. Proteus parades on Lundi Gras alongside Orpheus, providing a contrast between historic and modern krewe styles.

Float themes draw from mythology and literature. The krewe’s historic roots trace back over 140 years, representing one of the most enduring traditions in New Orleans Carnival.

Well suited to history enthusiasts and those seeking traditional 19th-century Carnival presentation.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans in 2026?
According to official Mardi Gras calendars and long-running krewe histories, the most important parades include Rex and Zulu on Mardi Gras Day, Endymion on Saturday, and Bacchus on Sunday. These parades represent a combination of scale, tradition, and cultural significance.

Which parades take place on Mardi Gras Day?
Rex and Zulu both parade on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Zulu parades in the morning, followed by Rex in the afternoon, marking the official conclusion of Carnival season.

What is the largest Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans?
Endymion is one of the largest parades of Carnival season by float count, rider participation, and crowd size. The krewe parades on Saturday, February 14, 2026, along a Mid-City to Downtown route.

Which Mardi Gras parades are the most traditional?
Rex, Zulu, and Proteus are among the most traditional parades. Rex was founded in 1872 and serves as the official King of Carnival. Zulu, founded in 1909, honors African American Carnival traditions. Proteus, established in 1882, maintains 19th-century parade customs.

Are these parades officially sanctioned?
Yes. All parades listed are officially sanctioned by the City of New Orleans and appear on the official Mardi Gras calendar. These krewes operate with city permits and follow established parade routes and schedules.

---

Together, these parades form the backbone of the official Mardi Gras calendar in New Orleans, representing more than a century of Carnival tradition across Uptown, Mid-City, and Downtown routes. For city-specific Mardi Gras event listings, explore AllEvents location pages dedicated to New Orleans.

Check out events, activities and local traditions in New Orleans during Mardi Gras 2026.