Nueva Orleans celebra el Mardi Gras, el indulgente final del Carnaval

Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7:34 am

Mardi Gras Celebrations Culminate in Festive Finale

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Revelers took to the streets for Mardi Gras, marking the culmination of the Carnival season. The annual celebration, a multi-week period of festivities, concluded with a day of revelry before the Christian season of Lent.

The city, renowned globally for its Mardi Gras celebrations, saw attendees adorned in green, gold, and purple attire. Some embraced elaborate sequined costumes, while others showcased homemade creations.

As the sun rose, crowds filled the streets, setting up chairs, coolers, grills, and ladders to secure prime viewing spots. Music bands and floats, carrying women with elaborate feathered headdresses, paraded through the city, filling the air with music. People danced, cheered, and enjoyed alcoholic beverages.

Each parade offered its own array of throws, including plastic bead necklaces, sweets, doubloons, plush animals, cups, and toys. Hand-decorated coconuts were the most sought-after item from the Zulu parade.

The festivities extended beyond the parade routes. Throughout the French Quarter, celebrations spilled into the streets, balconies, and front porches. An impromptu parade featured a man playing a washboard as an instrument, dressed as a blue alligator.

The celebrations were not confined to the city. Across the state, from exclusive balls to the Cajun French tradition of the Courir de Mardi Gras, the spirit of Mardi Gras was alive. Parades also took place in other cities along the Gulf Coast.

BNN's Perspective:

Mardi Gras, with its vibrant traditions and inclusive spirit, offers a valuable opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate. While the focus on indulgence is undeniable, the event's cultural significance and economic impact are also noteworthy. Finding a balance between the festive atmosphere and responsible behavior is key to ensuring the continued success and positive perception of this iconic celebration.

Keywords: Mardi Gras, Carnival, New Orleans, Parade, Celebrations, Costumes, French Quarter, Zulu, Lent, Courir de Mardi Gras

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