Holidays & ParadesFeaturedDates not confirmed yet. This edition is expected in February 2027, based on when it has run before. Check the organizer before making plans.
Holidays & Parades
Mardi Gras Day
Date
Expected February 2027
Location
St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street parade route
Napoleon Avenue at South Claiborne Avenue (Rex start), New Orleans, LA 70115
Napoleon Avenue at South Claiborne Avenue (Rex start), New Orleans, LA 70115
Organized by
Rex Organization and Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club
About this happenin
Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans opens with two parades: the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club first thing in the morning, then Rex, King of Carnival, at 10:30 am. It falls on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, so the date moves from year to year. Zulu has been part of Carnival since 1901 and made its first Mardi Gras appearance in 1909. Louis Armstrong reigned as King Zulu in 1949, and coconuts are the club's signature throw. Its route has changed from year to year, so confirm it with the club before you pick a spot. Rex starts on Napoleon at South Claiborne, turns onto St. Charles Avenue, then follows Canal Street to Tchoupitoulas. Watching from the street is free. Rex first paraded in 1872 and gave Mardi Gras its daytime focus. Its Captain, known publicly only as Bathurst, leads on a white horse, and most of the floats are built on old wooden wagons.
More in February: 3 other New Orleans events.
Where
St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street parade route · Napoleon Avenue at South Claiborne Avenue (Rex start), New Orleans, LA 70115
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