Mardi Gras Weekend Builds to Shrove Tuesday 2026 as Krewes Close Out Carnival
Shrove Tuesday 2026 falls on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and cities across the United States are wrapping up Carnival with parades, parties and time-honored rituals. The day—also called Fat Tuesday—marks the final celebration before Ash Wednesday ushers in the 40-day Lenten season.
Parades, throws and time-honored traditions take center stage
In New Orleans, the closing procession of Carnival traditions draws some of the biggest crowds. Two headline krewes will bring long-running customs into the spotlight: the Krewe of Zulu, famed for its hand-decorated coconuts, and the Rex organization, which has historically named the King of Carnival. Expect thousands of revelers to line downtown streets and St. Charles Avenue as floats roll and beads fly.
For viewers tracking the morning schedule in Eastern Time, Zulu is set to begin around 9: 00 a. m. ET and Rex follows at about 11: 30 a. m. ET. These processions are frequently among the most watched moments of Mardi Gras, both for the pageantry and for signature throws that fans covet.
Nationwide lead-up: festive weekends and culinary indulgence
While New Orleans remains the focal point for Carnival’s finale, celebrations have been spilling into communities across the country. Weekend events around Valentine’s Day paved the way for Fat Tuesday festivities, with musicians, dance troupes, pop-up parties and special menus highlighting local interpretations of Carnival cuisine.
Shrove Tuesday itself is traditionally a day of indulgence, used to deplete rich ingredients before the fasting period of Lent begins the following day. For many Christian denominations, Lent is observed as a roughly 40-day stretch—excluding Sundays—that culminates on Easter Sunday. That religious calendar underpins why Mardi Gras parades and gatherings rise to such a crescendo the day before Ash Wednesday.
What to expect and how communities mark the close of Carnival
Expect heavy foot traffic in parade corridors and heightened demand for public transit and hospitality services. City officials and event organizers typically prepare for crowd control, emergency services and sanitation to handle large numbers of attendees. Families and visitors should plan arrival times with procession schedules in mind and be prepared for delays around major routes.
Beyond logistics, the cultural signals of Fat Tuesday are unmistakable: music and dance late into the night, elaborate floats and costumes, and ceremonial customs that have been passed down for generations. For many participants, Mardi Gras is both a community celebration and an expression of local identity—one final burst of revelry before the reflective season of Lent begins.
Whether you’re watching the krewes roll or taking part in a neighborhood event, Shrove Tuesday 2026 promises the traditional blend of spectacle, food and community that defines Carnival’s grand finale.
