Today, we mark the point where we are six months from February 17, 2026, which is the next Mardi Gras. Of course, official and unofficial celebrations of the 2026 Mardi Gras will begin weeks before that day. In fact, already krewes, krewe members, musicians, and dancers are preparing for the season. The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale held its annual Reveal Party in June. The Krewe of Poseidon held its annual Coronation Ball in July. As we move into the fall, more and more activities will we be taking place.
The 2026 Mardi Gras coincides with a number of big events throughout the world. On the international calendar, the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies fall on the same day as the krewes of Oshun, Cleopatra, Excalibur, and Eve are expected to roll through the streets. The Olympic Games will last the whole of the Carnival season. Also, the first Sunday of the metro parade calendar falls once again on Super Bowl Sunday. While it is hard to imagine it will be a Black & Gold Superbowl, a tailgating feel is certainly likely to fill the air along the parade routes.
However, the event that will be most prominent in the 2026 Mardi Gras will be the Semiquincentennial of the United States of America. If the 1976 season that coincided with the US Bicentennial is any indication, the parade season may feature at least a few processions with a historical or nationally focused theme. Already a number of krewes have announced parade themes that will center either on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence or the nation itself. The Krewe of Bacchus announced via social media that its theme will be “Bacchus Celebrates America 250.” Members of the Krewe of King Arthur report the krewe’s theme, which remains officially under wraps, will focus on the cuisine of the different states of the USA.
In Orleans Parish, a big question is whether the Krewe of Oshun will receive a permit for the 2026 parade season. The krewe’s 2025 float provider, Jack Rizzuto, claims that Oshun failed to pay all float related charges regarding its 2025 parade. Krewes are required to certify in the weeks prior to the parade that all float expenses have been paid to have their permits finalized. According to published reports, Rizzuto says he allowed Oshun to make that certification in 2025, even though it was not the case. In late July, Rizzuto filed a lawsuit in the St. Charles Parish Court against Oshun claiming the krewe still owed him $130,000, plus interest.
Six months out, 2026 Mardi Gras doesn’t appear to be that will feature major or significant changes, But, we are still six months out. Stay tuned for more news as we get closer to the best time of any year.
