New Orleans Celebrates Mardi Gras, Carnival Season Finale

Parades, costumes, and revelry mark the indulgent conclusion of the pre-Lenten festivities.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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New Orleans is gearing up to celebrate Mardi Gras, the climactic end of the city's weekslong Carnival season. The annual festivities include elaborate parades, costumed revelers, and the throwing of traditional 'throws' like beads, doubloons, and decorated coconuts. Mardi Gras marks the final chance for indulgence before the Christian Lent period of sacrifice and reflection.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a cherished tradition in New Orleans, drawing millions of visitors each year and serving as a major economic driver for the city. The celebrations reflect the city's unique culture, history, and spirit of revelry, as well as the broader Carnival traditions found across the Gulf Coast region and around the world.

The details

The final Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans include the Zulu Social Aide & Pleasure Club parade, known for its African-inspired costumes and the throwing of hand-decorated coconuts, and the Rex, the King of Carnival parade along St. Charles Avenue. Carnival events are famous for their elaborate floats and the intricately crafted costumes worn by participants, such as the beaded and feathered outfits of the Black masking Indians.

  • Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, marks the climax and end of the weekslong Carnival season and falls the day before Ash Wednesday.
  • The Zulu parade and the Rex parade are among the final Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans.

The players

Zulu Social Aide & Pleasure Club

A parade krewe in New Orleans that hosts one of the final Mardi Gras parades, known for its African-inspired costumes and the throwing of hand-decorated coconuts.

Rex, the King of Carnival

The parade that rolls along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans as one of the final Mardi Gras parades.

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The takeaway

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a cherished cultural tradition that reflects the city's unique history, spirit of celebration, and connection to broader Carnival festivities across the Gulf Coast and around the world. The annual festivities provide a final chance for indulgence before the reflective period of Lent.