Shrove Tuesday 2026: Mardi Gras crescendos in New Orleans as Carnival gives way to Lent
Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) — The city marked the last day of Carnival with a full slate of parades, traditional rites and community rituals before Ash Wednesday begins the 40 days of Lent. Streets filled with costumed revelers, elaborate floats and customary throws as New Orleans closed out another season of pageantry and indulgence.
Parades, processions and key timings
The Fat Tuesday schedule packed the afternoon and evening with signature krewes threading established uptown routes. The Krewe of Okeanos rolled at 12: 00 p. m. ET, setting a lively tone for a string of midafternoon processions. Thoth followed at 1: 00 p. m. ET, with Mid-City running in close succession as crowds swelled along the boulevard. Organizers warned of heavy pedestrian activity along these central corridors through the late afternoon.
The day culminated with the Krewe of Bacchus at 6: 15 p. m. ET, a highlight known for its illuminated, theatrical floats and high-profile royalty. This year’s Bacchus lineup included an actor serving as monarch and a special guest appearance by a recently inducted Pro Football Hall of Famer, drawing both parade regulars and sports fans to prime viewing positions. In nearby Metairie, the Krewe of Athena staged its evening parade beginning at 7: 00 p. m. ET.
Other traditions remained on display across the city: the Zulu parade’s hand-decorated coconuts continued to be coveted throws, while Rex marched in the afternoon along oak-lined St. Charles Avenue. Marchers and float riders showcased African-inspired garb, beaded Indian masks and homemade costumes that reflect the cultural diversity of Carnival.
Practical notes for parade-goers and wider traditions
Officials advised attendees to plan for road closures, dense crowds and extended travel times. Families were urged to arrive early for popular parades, bring water and layered clothing for fluctuating temperatures, and carry containers to gather throws. Parade etiquette remained central: spectators should stay behind barricades, keep sidewalks clear for emergency access and heed directions from marshals and public safety personnel.
The city’s mardi gras season radiates beyond New Orleans. Rural Central Louisiana saw Courir de Mardi Gras gatherings where costumed participants traditionally collect ingredients for communal gumbo, while other Gulf Coast cities hosted their own parades and events. International Carnival celebrations continued in countries and cities worldwide, offering parallel displays of pageantry and local custom as many cultures mark the final moments of feasting before Lent.
Shrove Tuesday roots: food, faith and folklore
Shrove Tuesday is the final day of indulgence that precedes Ash Wednesday and the Lenten period of reflection and fasting. The name 'shrove' comes from the old practice of being shriven — confessing and receiving absolution — before the Lenten fast. In many places the day is also known as Pancake Tuesday, a culinary tradition born from using up eggs, milk and fats that were customarily given up for Lent. Pancakes provided a simple way to consume those ingredients before the fast began; the pancake and its tossing have been part of domestic customs for centuries.
This year’s Easter falls on April 5, and communities used Shrove Tuesday both to celebrate rich food traditions and to mark a spiritual transition. For many, the day combines the secular revelry of Mardi Gras with observances that prepare households and congregations for the discipline and reflection of Lent.
As Fat Tuesday drew to a close, New Orleans and surrounding communities moved from the exuberance of Carnival into the quieter, contemplative rhythm of Ash Wednesday — a ritual shift that will be felt in churches, kitchens and neighborhoods across the region in the days to come.
