Krewes of Oshun, Cleopatra set to roll Uptown in New Orleans Carnival

First weekend of major parades features culture, community and all-female power on the Uptown route.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 5:47pm

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Carnival season officially hits full stride in New Orleans on Friday night as the Krewes of Oshun and Cleopatra roll, marking the first weekend of major Mardi Gras parades. Both parades will be live streamed, giving viewers at home a front-row seat to the celebration.

Why it matters

The Krewe of Oshun and Krewe of Cleopatra parades are significant events in the New Orleans Carnival season, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage, community spirit, and the growing prominence of all-female krewes in the annual festivities.

The details

The Krewe of Oshun parade starts at 5 p.m., traveling from Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street to St. Charles Avenue, looping Lee Circle, and continuing to Canal Street before ending at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets. The parade celebrates an anniversary theme of 'Culture, Community & Legacy' and features 16 floats, marching bands, and dancing groups. The Krewe of Cleopatra rolls at 6 p.m., starting from Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue and following a similar Uptown route. Founded in 1972, Cleopatra was the first all-female krewe on the West Bank and made history in 2012 by becoming the first all-female organization to parade on the Uptown route.

  • The Krewe of Oshun parade starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • The Krewe of Cleopatra parade rolls at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Krewe of Oshun

A Mardi Gras krewe founded in 1996 and named after the Yoruba goddess of love and intimacy. The krewe's parade highlights the unique culture, community, and legacy of New Orleans.

Krewe of Cleopatra

A Mardi Gras krewe founded in 1972 as the first all-female krewe on the West Bank. In 2012, Cleopatra became the first all-female organization to parade on the Uptown route.

Terrance Osborne

An acclaimed New Orleans artist who is the 2026 king of the Krewe of Oshun.

Stephanie Osborne

The 2026 queen of the Krewe of Oshun.

Stephanie Buras

The reigning Queen Cleopatra LIII of the Krewe of Cleopatra.

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What they’re saying

“Culture, Community & Legacy”

— Krewe of Oshun (NOLA.com)

“Cleopatra's Friday Night is for the Girls”

— Krewe of Cleopatra (WWL-TV)

The takeaway

The Krewe of Oshun and Krewe of Cleopatra parades showcase the rich cultural heritage, community spirit, and growing prominence of all-female krewes in the New Orleans Carnival tradition, providing a vibrant and inclusive celebration for both locals and visitors.