Shrove Tuesday 2026: Mardi Gras weekend culminates in parades, parties and long-standing New Orleans traditions
Shrove Tuesday — commonly known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday — falls on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. The day serves as Carnival’s grand finale, a last burst of indulgence before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Cities from coast to coast mark the occasion with parades, music, food and late-winter revelry.
Major parades and timing to watch (times in ET)
New Orleans will once again be at the center of Shrove Tuesday coverage, with several high-profile krewes closing out Carnival along St. Charles Avenue. Expect the Krewe known for its historic Zulu parade to roll in the morning, beginning at 9: 00 a. m. ET, followed by the storied Rex parade at approximately 11: 30 a. m. ET. Both processions carry deep local traditions: Zulu, founded in 1909, is famed for its hand-decorated coconut throws, while Rex formally selects the King of Carnival — a symbolic role that has historically been marked by calls to pause local business and school activities in celebration.
Broadcasters and local streaming operations typically offer live feeds of the major daytime parades, and city streaming platforms are likely to carry much of the action along the parade routes. St. Charles Avenue remains the primary corridor for many of the day’s largest processions.
What Shrove Tuesday means and how communities celebrate
Shrove Tuesday marks the end of Carnival and comes immediately before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is observed as a 40-day period of fasting (excluding Sundays) that leads up to Easter Sunday; Fat Tuesday historically functions as the last day for indulgence before the somber season begins. Across the country, celebrations range from elegant balls and family-friendly parades to street parties with music, dancing and indulgent food.
The days leading up to Feb. 17 often feature a cascade of events that blend local traditions with seasonal observances. This year’s festivities spilled into Valentine’s weekend for many communities, creating an extended run-up of parties, smaller parades and special menus at restaurants. Expect a mix of longtime Carnival rituals and newer neighborhood celebrations in towns with active Carnival calendars.
Practical tips for attendees and viewers
If you plan to attend parades in person, arrive early for prime viewing spots along parade routes and bring layers; late winter weather can shift quickly. Many parade-goers stake out corners for the best throws — beads, trinkets and, in Zulu’s case, souvenir coconuts — so be mindful of crowd density and follow any posted safety guidelines from local authorities.
For those watching from home or afar, check local listings for scheduled livestreams of the major parades throughout the day. Parade broadcasts typically begin with earlier krewes and build to the afternoon’s headline processions. Whether in the crowd or on a screen, Shrove Tuesday remains a spectacle of color, music and tradition that signals the close of Carnival and the start of the Lenten calendar.
