New Orleans Celebrates Mardi Gras with Parades, Beads, and Festivities

The annual carnival celebration draws millions to the city for weeks of revelry.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Orleans is the epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations, with over 70 parades rolling through the city during carnival season. Revelers dress in costumes and masks, catching beads, trinkets, and other throws from the floats. Mardi Gras is a billion-dollar cultural and economic event for New Orleans, requiring complex logistics to host one of the world's largest non-ticketed events spanning multiple weeks across the city.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a longstanding tradition and major economic driver for New Orleans, attracting millions of visitors each year and showcasing the city's vibrant culture and community spirit.

The details

The Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans feature over 70 parades that wind through the city's neighborhoods, with marchers and floats tossing beads, trinkets, and other throws to the crowds. Attendees dress up in elaborate costumes and masks as part of the revelry. Mardi Gras is a massive event, generating over $1 billion in economic activity for New Orleans and requiring extensive planning and logistics to host one of the world's largest non-ticketed events that spans multiple weeks.

  • Mardi Gras celebrations take place each year in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday.
  • The 2026 Mardi Gras festivities are currently underway in New Orleans.

The players

Kelly Schulz

A representative from New Orleans and Company, the city's tourism and marketing organization.

New Orleans and Company

The tourism and marketing organization for the city of New Orleans.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Mardi Gras is a billion-dollar cultural and economic powerhouse.”

— Kelly Schulz, Representative, New Orleans and Company (wearegreenbay.com)

What’s next

After the Mardi Gras celebrations conclude, New Orleans will shift its focus to hosting other major events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing the city's vibrant culture and hospitality.

The takeaway

Mardi Gras is a cherished tradition that brings the city of New Orleans to life each year, drawing millions of visitors and generating significant economic activity. The event's elaborate parades, costumes, and community spirit reflect the unique cultural identity of the city.