New Orleans City Council Calls for Meeting to Address Carnival Controversies

Incidents of aggressive bead throwing, bottle throwing, and racist throws during parades prompt review of policies and regulations.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The New Orleans City Council has called for a meeting to address several controversies that occurred during this year's Carnival season, including aggressive bead throwing, bottle throwing from floats, and racist throws during parades. Mayor Moreno and Councilman Eugene Green say all options are on the table as they work with Krewes to find solutions and ensure a safe and enjoyable Carnival celebration for all.

Why it matters

Carnival is a major cultural event in New Orleans that draws large crowds, and incidents of dangerous or unacceptable behavior can threaten public safety and the reputation of the celebration. The city is seeking to address these issues proactively to maintain the spirit and tradition of Carnival while ensuring it remains a family-friendly event.

The details

Several incidents occurred during this year's Carnival season, including aggressive bead throwing during the Krewe of Thoth and Carrollton parades, bottles being thrown from a Zulu float, and racist throws during the Tucks parade. In response, Mayor Moreno and the City Council have called for a meeting to discuss potential solutions, with Councilman Green stating that all options are on the table, including reviewing existing laws and regulations.

  • The Carnival season took place in February 2026.

The players

Mayor Moreno

The mayor of New Orleans who has called for the meeting to address Carnival controversies.

Councilman Eugene Green

A New Orleans City Council member who says all options are on the table to address the issues and ensure a safe and enjoyable Carnival celebration.

Krewe of Thoth

A Carnival krewe that was involved in an incident of aggressive bead throwing during their parade.

Krewe of Carrollton

A Carnival krewe that was involved in an incident of aggressive bead throwing during their parade.

Zulu

A Carnival krewe whose float was involved in an incident of bottle throwing.

Krewe of Tucks

A Carnival krewe whose parade involved an incident of racist throws.

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What they’re saying

“There are laws on the books that cover most of what we saw. There are regulations that say that you shouldn't throw things at floats. Well, there's a reason for that because it can go past the float and hit someone else.”

— Councilman Eugene Green (wgno.com)

“Everything is on the table because it's a public event of immense proportions and it affects a lot of people. We want it to be a perfect event, so we got to discuss those things that need to be discussed.”

— Councilman Eugene Green (wgno.com)

“You know, the right thing does not include taking large items and throwing them off the float or throwing into a crowd at a rate that encourages the police to take you off the float. Have a good time and keep in mind all the people want to have a good time, too.”

— Councilman Eugene Green (wgno.com)

What’s next

The City Council plans to work with the Krewes to address the issues and find solutions, and will be discussing potential policy changes at an upcoming meeting.

The takeaway

The controversies during this year's Carnival season have prompted the New Orleans City Council to take a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the event for all participants and spectators. By working collaboratively with the Krewes, the city hopes to maintain the spirit and tradition of Carnival while addressing unacceptable behavior.