TV Journalist Chosen to Lead 2026 Muses Mardi Gras Parade

Riley Calderon

ago 1 hour

TV Journalist Chosen to Lead 2026 Muses Mardi Gras Parade

Soledad O’Brien, a celebrated television journalist, has been appointed as the Honorary Muse for the 2026 Muses Mardi Gras Parade. The parade is set to take place on February 12, 2026, in New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrant Carnival celebrations.

Soledad O’Brien: A Distinguished Career

O’Brien is well-known for her significant contributions to television news, having anchored programs such as CNN’s American Morning and Starting Point. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including:

10 Emmy Awards
Multiple Peabody Awards
Edward R. Murrow Award

Currently, she hosts the talk show “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien.”

The Legacy of the Muses Parade

The Muses are an all-female parading group with a rich history. O’Brien joins a prestigious cohort of previous Honorary Muses, which includes:

Rutina Wesley (actor)
Margaret Orr (meteorologist)
Irma Thomas (singer)
Swin Cash (WNBA star)
Jennifer Coolidge (actor)
Patricia Clarkson (actor)
LaToya Cantrell (former mayor)

A Celebration of New Orleans

In her statement, O’Brien expressed her admiration for New Orleans, stating, “This esteemed honor gives me a chance to show my appreciation for the brilliance in its people, culture, and history.”

Mardi Gras Schedule for 2026

The Muses parade will commence at a new time this year, starting one hour earlier at approximately 6:30 p.m. It will follow the Chaos and Babylon parades on the uptown route.

The 2026 Carnival season kicks off on January 6, leading up to Mardi Gras on February 17, 2026. Notably, the Thursday evening before Mardi Gras is a highlight in the Carnival calendar, known as Muses Thursday.