Shrove Tuesday 2026: Mardi Gras culminates in parades, parties and traditional throws
Shrove Tuesday 2026 arrives on Tuesday, Feb. 17, bringing Carnival to a close with parades, music, food and thousands of revelers in the streets. The day — also called Fat Tuesday — immediately precedes Ash Wednesday and the start of the 40-day Lenten fast, and it remains a focal point for communities that mark the season with elaborate pageantry and public celebration.
What Shrove Tuesday and Fat Tuesday mean this year
Shrove Tuesday has religious roots as the final day of feasting before Lent, the Christian period of fasting and reflection that leads up to Easter Sunday. In contemporary practice it’s a cultural celebration as much as a religious observance: parades and parties provide a last indulgence of food, music and costumes before the more restrained weeks of Lent begin.
Across the United States, the weekend leading into Shrove Tuesday has been marked by gatherings timed around Valentine’s Day and ongoing Carnival events. From block parties to large-scale street parades, communities use the days before Fat Tuesday to showcase marching bands, floats and the signature throws — beads, doubloons and other keepsakes tossed from parade routes into the crowd.
Parades, timing and longstanding traditions in New Orleans
New Orleans remains the most visible center of Fat Tuesday activity, where long-established krewes bring distinctive customs to the streets. This year’s schedule lists one krewe beginning at 8 a. m. ET and another following at 10: 30 a. m. ET, with main thoroughfares filled early as thousands gather for the final rolls of Carnival. The morning-to-midday rhythm preserves a tradition of concluding the season with high-energy procession and pageantry.
Certain throws and rituals draw particular attention. One krewe’s hand-decorated coconuts remain among Carnival’s most sought-after collectibles, while another organization’s selection of a ceremonial King of Carnival signals a symbolic pause in business and school life across the city on Fat Tuesday. For many attendees, the chance to catch a prized throw or witness a traditional coronation is the highlight of the year.
Safety, viewing options and community impact
Mardi Gras draws large crowds, which means public-safety measures and planning are central to the day. Parade routes typically include designated viewing areas, crowd-control measures and clear instructions for traffic and pedestrian flow. First-time visitors are advised to arrive early, be mindful of weather and follow guidance from event staff and local authorities.
Those who cannot attend in person can still take part: parade livestreams and broadcast options offer remote access to the rolls of floats and live performances. Local businesses, restaurants and hospitality venues also see a spike in activity during the lead-up and on Fat Tuesday itself, with many establishments embracing themed menus and extended hours to cater to visitors.
Shrove Tuesday 2026 is both a climax and a hinge point — the last day of Carnival revelry and the threshold into a quieter, reflective season. For participants and onlookers alike, it remains a moment that blends communal tradition, cultural expression and the spirited pageantry that has defined Mardi Gras for generations.
