New Orleans Celebrates Mardi Gras, Carnival Season Finale

Revelers don costumes, dance in the streets, and indulge before Lent begins

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the sun rose in New Orleans on Tuesday morning, rows of parade-goers already lined the streets to celebrate Mardi Gras, the indulgent conclusion of the city's weekslong Carnival season. People donned colorful costumes, danced to marching bands, and caught beads and other trinkets thrown from floats, marking a final chance for revelry before the Christian Lent period of sacrifice and reflection.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a beloved annual tradition in New Orleans, drawing crowds from around the world to experience the city's unique culture, music, and festive spirit. The celebration represents the end of Carnival season and a last hurrah before the more somber Lent period, making it an important part of the local and regional identity.

The details

Parade-goers set up chairs, coolers, grills, and ladders to catch beads, doubloons, and other trinkets thrown from the elaborate floats. Marchers in the Half-Fast Walking Club krewe tossed white pearly beads to the revelers. Attendees donned costumes ranging from Egyptian-inspired outfits to homemade creations capturing the spirit of New Orleans. Music from marching bands echoed through the streets as people danced and cheered.

  • Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, marks the climax and end of the weekslong Carnival season.
  • Mardi Gras always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of the Christian Lent period.

The players

Sue Mennino

A reveler who has celebrated Carnival season for decades as a resident of New Orleans. She was dressed in a white Egyptian-inspired costume with a gold headpiece and translucent cape.

Zulu Social Aide & Pleasure Club

The parade that features hand-decorated coconuts as the coveted item for revelers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The world will be here tomorrow, but today is a day off and a time to party.”

— Sue Mennino (cruxnow.com)

“Once you have experienced Mardi Gras, how do you not come back?”

— Sue Mennino (cruxnow.com)

The takeaway

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a vibrant, centuries-old tradition that allows the city to celebrate its unique culture, music, and festive spirit before the more somber Lent period. The annual event draws crowds from around the world and represents an important part of the local and regional identity.