City slashes Mardi Gras spending amid budget crisis
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Zulu parades past Gallier Hall on Mardi Gras. The historic building once served as New Orleans' City Hall and today is the seat of its official Mardi Gras festivities and other events. Photo: Michael DeMocker/Getty Images
Mayor Helena Moreno's administration made deep budget cuts for Mardi Gras festivities amid the city's fiscal crisis.
Why it matters: VIPs at Gallier Hall will have security, but the city won't provide food, drinks or clear bags for throws.
The big picture: The city slashed the budget from about $240,000 in 2025 to $43,000 this year, according to a spreadsheet shared with Axios.
- The bulk of the savings — $138,000 — comes from canceling the mayor's Mardi Gras ball.
- Doing away with the bar and buffet at Gallier Hall saves about $19,000.
Zoom in: Another big chunk of savings comes from donations covering the DJs and sound equipment.
- More than $40,000 has been donated for DJs after a public outcry about the administration's initial proposal to have curated Spotify playlists.
- Case in point: The Krewe of Hermes is paying for music during their parade, chief administrative officer Joe Giarrusso says.
- Last year, the city spent $21,000 on DJs and equipment.
How it works: Mardi Gras krewes stop at Gallier Hall during their parades for a champagne toast with the mayor.
- The mayor and City Council members have viewing boxes in the stands there, and they invite family, friends and VIP guests.
- It wasn't immediately clear how many people usually attend the carnival events at Gallier Hall.
- Moreno will give her toasts in disposable champagne glasses, saving about $500 compared to last year.
Follow the money: The city also cut $8,000 for "Carnival Under the Bridge," which is a community festival in partnership with the Claiborne Innovation District on Mardi Gras Day, according to city spokesperson Isis Casanova.
- It's at Orleans and Claiborne avenues, which is also where Zulu characters are toasted and Black Masking Indian tribes meet.
- Plus, the city cut about $4,000 for clear bags for beads and throws at Gallier Hall.
- Officials will spend $42,000 on security and wristbands, which is about the same as last year.
State of play: The city is in a multimillion-dollar hole and is using a loan to pay employees.
- Moreno laid off some employees and is furloughing others until the situation improves.
- The loan is expected to run out this month, and Moreno previously said it's likely the city will need another one this summer.
What's next: Oshun and Cleopatra roll on the Uptown route this Friday.