Mardi Gras 2026 begins in New Orleans

The big picture: Joan of Arc is the largest parading organization to hit the streets Tuesday, attracting thousands to the French Quarter for the annual walking krewe that honors its namesake saint with artistic theatricality.

• But the organization's 2026 parade will be a little different thanks to a new route that dodges the ongoing French Quarter construction, says co-captain Antoinette De Alteriis. The group plans to return to its usual map in future years.
• This year's parade also has a new start time of 7:30pm.

Between the lines: Like other early-season parades, Joan of Arc faces rising permit costs that totaled about 20% of the krewe's annual budget, prompting a late December plea for additional donations and volunteers.

• Security threats and other city difficulties, like police staffing shortages, are to blame for the increased pricing, De Alteriis says.
• Still, city officials "have been fair," De Alteriis says, "and we have no complaints. ... The thing that bothers us is that [some] parades don't pay these fees."

State of play: The gripe is an annual frustration for krewes that operate outside the two city-recognized weeks of official Carnival.

• "The city does need to look at how they allocate these things because it's unfair if you're on a float on St. Charles, [the city pays] for cleanup and police, but if you're in a walking parade outside that regimented thing, you pay for it yourself," De Alteriis says, noting that Joan of Arc draws between 25,000-35,000 people to the French Quarter.

Other krewes marking the start of Mardi Gras on Tuesday include:

• The Societé des Champs Elysée. Details.
• The Phunny Phorty Phellows, who parade by St. Charles Avenue streetcar beginning at 7pm. Details.
• The Funky Uptown Krewe, which follows the Phunny Phorty Phellows in another streetcar. Details.