New Orleans Celebrates Mardi Gras, Carnival Season Finale

Parades, revelry, and costumes mark the indulgent conclusion of the Carnival season.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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New Orleans is celebrating Mardi Gras on Tuesday with the traditional parades, costumes, and revelry that mark the end of the Carnival season. Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is the climax and conclusion of the weekslong Carnival celebration, providing a final chance for indulgence and feasting before the Christian Lent period of sacrifice and reflection begins on Ash Wednesday.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a longstanding cultural tradition in New Orleans, with the city's Carnival celebrations dating back centuries. The annual festivities draw large crowds to the city and are a major economic driver, contributing significantly to the local tourism industry.

The details

Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans include elaborate parades featuring colorful costumes, floats, and the throwing of beads and other trinkets to the crowds. Revelers also indulge in traditional Creole and Cajun cuisine, such as crawfish boils, king cake, and other festive foods and drinks.

  • Mardi Gras is celebrated annually on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Christian Lent period.

The players

New Orleans

The city of New Orleans, Louisiana, which is known for its vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations and Carnival traditions.

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The takeaway

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a cherished cultural tradition that brings the community together for a final celebration of indulgence and revelry before the more somber Lent period. The annual festivities are a major economic driver for the city and a source of pride for its residents.