Carnival Updates

New Orleans, Lafayette, Shreveport, Thibodaux

The all-new Mystic Kings Krewe parade (January 5) kicks off Mardi Gras (February 17) with bejeweled co-ed riders prancing through the streets of New Orleans atop graceful Arabian stallions amid artful floats and twirling flambeaux. In Lafayette, Mardi Gras parades are returning to their historic downtown route for the first time in decades, rolling once again through the heart of the city along Jefferson Street. Native son Robert Parish, the 7’1”-tall nine-time NBA All Star and four-time NBA champion, is Grand Marshall riding in Shreveport’s Krewe of Centaur parade (February 7). Dozens of king cakes from top bakeries are available for sampling at the Louisiana King Cake Festival (January 31) in Thibodaux. Tip for sober-curious revelers: New Orleans’ first non-alcoholic cocktail bar, Mélange, recently opened on Frenchmen above the live music hotspot, Bamboula’s.

Pawsome Fun

Pet parents are unleashing their creativity for tail-wagging costumed revelry during Louisiana’s Carnival-themed pet parades, including the 2nd annual Krewe de Canines (January 24) in St. Francisville, Krewe de Paws of Old Towne Slidell (February 7), Mystic Krewe of Mutts in Baton Rouge (February 22), Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans (February 8), Krewe of Barkus and Meoux in Bossier City (past participants have included turtles, donkeys, cats, dogs, goats and chickens), Krewe of Barkus in Lake Charles (February 14), Mardi Paws’ “Howliday Parade” in Covington (February 22) and Mandeville’s “Krewe du Pooch Goes to HOWLywood” (February 28).

Baton Rouge | From Gator to Gown

An LSU senior majoring in textiles, apparel and merchandising, Martha Rigney recently won the prestigious International Textile and Apparel Association Blanche Payne award for the “Bayou Bride” wedding gown she designed using alligator leather, inspired by her sister’s upcoming wedding. Rigney’s design tells the story of “a modern Louisiana bride” and includes a pearlescent magnolia with petals “made from the legs of the alligator hide.” Post-graduation, Rigney hopes to eventually own a custom couture business.

Shreveport | Singing the Dream

The inaugural 2026 Voices of the Dream: MLK Regional Choir Competition (January 16-17) is a new two-day event in Shreveport featuring the timeless spirit of resilience through music. Choirs from across the region are lifting their voices in three categories: Gospel, Spirituals and Inspirational (Sacred/Secular) to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s enduring message.

Arnaudville | The Bamboo Tipi Unveiled

An international bamboo master builder and designer, James Wolf, recently brought his skills to Arnaudville to work with local builders and 15 workshop participants to construct an extraordinary bamboo tipi-like structure for a striking new visual landmark and sacred gathering space, courtesy of Nunu Arts and Culture Collective. It was ceremoniously unveiled by an elder of the Chitimacha Indian Tribe of Breaux Bridge.