Everywhere else it’s just another Tuesday. In New Orleans, it’s Mardi Gras.
From the first notes of a brass band to the sight of the sunrise over the Mississippi, there is no place on earth like New Orleans during Carnival. At Bloom Legal Network, we want to wish our neighbors, friends, and visitors a safe and incredibly Happy Mardi Gras!
This is the season where our city shows the world how to turn history into a party. Whether you’re a local who has been staking out your neutral ground spot since Twelfth Night or a first-timer experiencing the magic for the first time, we hope your Carnival is filled with more gold coconuts than legal headaches.
Happening Today: Lundi Gras on the River
Before the parades roll tomorrow, don’t miss the arrival of the King of Carnival today (Monday, Feb 16). Rex and his entourage will arrive by boat at the Riverwalk at 6:00 PM, followed by fireworks on the Mississippi. It’s the perfect way to kick off the final 24 hours of the season!
Fat Tuesday 2026: The Big Day Parade Schedule
The culmination of the season is Tuesday, February 17, 2026. If you’re planning your route, here is the official lineup for the greatest free show on earth:
- 8:00 AM – Krewe of Zulu: Starting at S. Claiborne and Jackson Avenue, the Soulful Warriors bring the city’s most coveted throw: the hand-painted coconut.
- 10:00 AM – Krewe of Rex: The King of Carnival follows the traditional Uptown route. Keep an eye out for the Boeuf Gras float, the symbolic fatted bull.
- Follows Rex – Krewe of Elks Orleans: The largest truck parade in the world keeps the momentum going with hundreds of elaborately decorated trailers.
- Follows Elks – Krewe of Crescent City: The final procession of the day, ensuring the party doesn’t stop until the sirens sound at midnight.
Weather Watch & Safety Tips
Forecast Update: As of Monday morning, the forecast for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, is looking typically New Orleans: mostly cloudy with a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F).
To ensure your only memory is a good one, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Layer Up: The temperature can drop 10 degrees as soon as the sun goes behind a float. Bring a light jacket.
- Hydrate: For every “Go Cup” of something festive, drink a bottle of water. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
- Respect the Route: Stay behind the barricades. Never cross the street between moving floats—the drivers cannot see you.
- Protect Your Tech: Pickpockets thrive in crowds. Keep your phone in a front pocket or a secured bag.
Steady Support When the Celebration Stumbles
We are proud of our city’s culture, but we know Carnival comes with unique risks. If your celebration takes an unexpected turn, Bloom Legal provides clear-headed guidance:
Criminal Defense & Expungements: If a misunderstanding leads to an arrest, citation, or DWI, we offer immediate intervention. We also help locals clear their records through expungements once the season settles.
Personal Injury & Accidents: From parade route injuries and slip-and-falls to car accidents in heavy traffic, we navigate the complexities of Louisiana liability to ensure you are protected.
Business Law & Hospitality: We assist local owners with vendor disputes, contract issues, and the unique legal hurdles that arise during New Orleans’ busiest hospitality season.
We are the steady hand in the chaos. If you need us, we are just a phone call away. 📞 Call 504-599-9997 | 📧 Email info@bloomlegal.com
