Award-Winning Journalist Soledad O'Brien Joins Mardi Gras Krewe of Muses

O'Brien will ride atop a 20-foot bedazzled red shoe float, tossing out decorated high heels to parade-goers.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Veteran television journalist Soledad O'Brien will be an honorary Muse in this year's Krewe of Muses parade in New Orleans. O'Brien, who has a long history with the city, will ride on a float in the shape of a giant red bedazzled shoe and toss out decorated high heels to the crowd.

Why it matters

O'Brien's participation in the Muses parade highlights the enduring appeal and cultural significance of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. As a high-profile media figure, her involvement helps bring national attention to the annual celebration and the city's resilience in the years since Hurricane Katrina.

The details

O'Brien will need to wear a harness for her seat on the 20-foot shoe float, which she was initially skeptical about until seeing it in person. She has been preparing for the parade by meeting some of the other Muses riders and getting a sneak peek at the float. Though no stranger to Mardi Gras revelry, this will be O'Brien's first time making the iconic turn from Napoleon Avenue onto St. Charles Avenue, which her fellow Muses have told her is a magical moment.

  • O'Brien arrived in New Orleans on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The Krewe of Muses parade will roll on Thursday, February 12, 2026, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The players

Soledad O'Brien

An award-winning television journalist who has a decades-long history with and love for New Orleans.

Krewe of Muses

A Mardi Gras krewe that O'Brien will be riding with as an honorary Muse.

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What they’re saying

“I've been trying to describe what a parade is like, you know, words kind of fail you. I came off the plane, there's the second-line and then all these people are there thinking that's what happens in New Orleans — you come off a plane and your plane is met by the band.”

— Soledad O'Brien (veritenews.org)

“I think that is the magic of Mardi Gras, when it all comes together. The floats are amazing every year, the city comes out every year, and today we have a perfect day so it's going to be amazing.”

— Soledad O'Brien (veritenews.org)

What’s next

Parade attendees, many of whom have been staked out starting early in the morning, hope to catch a decked out shoe thrown from one of the Muses floats.

The takeaway

Soledad O'Brien's participation in the Krewe of Muses parade highlights the enduring appeal and cultural significance of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, as well as the city's resilience in the years since Hurricane Katrina.