Krewe of Oshun Reveals 2026 Grand Marshals and Royal Court

New Orleans parade organization announces leaders for upcoming Mardi Gras celebration.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:47am

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The Krewe of Oshun, a prominent Mardi Gras parade organization in New Orleans, has announced its 2026 Grand Marshals and Royal Court. The Grand Marshals include descendants of the late Dorothy Mae Taylor, the first African American woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and New Orleans City Council, as well as attorney and politician Cedric Richmond and former New Orleans City Councilmember Joe Giarrusso. The 2026 King and Queen of Oshun are acclaimed New Orleans artist Terrance Osborne and his wife, Stephanie Osborne.

Why it matters

The Krewe of Oshun is one of the most prominent Mardi Gras organizations in New Orleans, known for its inclusive and progressive values. The selection of the Grand Marshals and Royal Court reflects the krewe's commitment to honoring civil rights leaders, local politicians, and prominent artists from the New Orleans community.

The details

The Krewe of Oshun's 2026 Mardi Gras parade will roll on February 6th and feature the Marine Corps Reserve Band, the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band, and the St. Augustine Marching 100. The Grand Marshals were chosen to reflect the krewe's values and the legacy of leaders like Dorothy Mae Taylor, who introduced a landmark ordinance in 1997 that prohibited discrimination in Carnival organizations.

  • The Krewe of Oshun parade will kick off on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 at 5pm.

The players

Krewe of Oshun

A prominent Mardi Gras parade organization in New Orleans known for its inclusive and progressive values.

Gian Durand

Captain of the Krewe of Oshun.

Dorothy Mae Taylor

The first African American woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and the New Orleans City Council. In 1997, she introduced the landmark ordinance that prohibited discrimination in Carnival organizations.

Cedric Richmond

A New Orleans native, attorney, and longtime politician who has served as a Special Advisor to the President of the United States.

Joe Giarrusso

Former New Orleans City Councilmember for District A and current Chief Administrative Officer for the City of New Orleans.

Terrance Osborne

Acclaimed New Orleans artist who will serve as the 2026 King of Oshun.

Stephanie Osborne

Wife of Terrance Osborne, who will serve as the 2026 Queen of Oshun.

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What they’re saying

“'Each Grand Marshal was selected with intention. Their leadership, service, and legacy reflect the values Oshun was founded upon and the future we continue to build.'”

— Gian Durand, Captain of the Krewe of Oshun (myneworleans.com)

The takeaway

The Krewe of Oshun's selection of its 2026 Grand Marshals and Royal Court demonstrates the organization's commitment to honoring civil rights leaders, local politicians, and prominent artists from the New Orleans community, reflecting the inclusive and progressive values that have defined the krewe throughout its history.