Mardi Gras 2025 will go on in New Orleans and surrounding areas, but severe weather threats have forced major adjustments to the parade schedule. City officials are closely monitoring conditions as the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a High Wind Warning.
Parade Schedule Adjustments
The Krewe of Zulu is set to roll at 6:30 a.m. on Fat Tuesday (March 4), followed by Rex at 9:30 a.m. However, both parades will be shortened and required to clear the streets by 11:30 a.m., according to New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. Marching krewes and truck floats will not be permitted.
“Parading is over at 11:30,” Kirkpatrick stated. “Have a great time, but at 11:30, you’re out of here.”
Kirkpatrick initially allowed parades to proceed based on an NWS High Wind Watch advisory. However, at around 1 p.m., the advisory was upgraded to a High Wind Warning from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. This unexpected change led officials to reevaluate their decision, leaving the fate of the parades uncertain. Kirkpatrick reserved the right to cancel them early Tuesday morning if conditions worsen.
Route Modifications
Under the new adjustments, the Zulu parade will not pass through the historic Treme neighborhood and will disband at Poydras Street. Similarly, Rex will not pass Gras Parades Hall, where it traditionally toasts the mayor. Instead, Rex will turn down Jackson Avenue and disband before reaching the hall.
“If winds are higher than I expected, then I will not have a parade,” Kirkpatrick warned. “I know that would make people mad, but I’m accustomed to having people mad. … We are a city of Carnival, and you don’t just cancel that easily. But public safety will always be No. 1.”
In anticipation of worsening weather, portable toilets along parade routes were removed on Monday. Kirkpatrick also urged paradegoers not to bring umbrellas or tents.
Truck Parades Rescheduled
Truck parades originally scheduled for Tuesday have been moved to Sunday. However, city officials have not yet announced details regarding new routes and start times.
Official Statements from Rex and Zulu
Rex officials confirmed via email that their parade would begin at 9:30 a.m. at Napoleon and South Claiborne Avenues. It will follow its traditional route until reaching Jackson Avenue, where it will turn left onto St. Charles Avenue before disbanding at South Claiborne.
Zulu also confirmed changes, stating that its parade would start at 6:30 a.m. at Jackson Avenue and South Claiborne. The route will proceed down Jackson to St. Charles Avenue, turn left, and continue until reaching Poydras Street, where it will make a sharp left before disbanding at Loyola Avenue.
Jefferson Parish and Other Cancellations
Due to forecasted wind gusts of 40-60 mph and increased storm risks, Jefferson Parish officials have canceled all Mardiras ParadesDay parades.
“This is disappointing, but our top priority is ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community,” Parish President Cynthia Lee-Sheng stated.
Severe Weather Forecast
The first half of Gras Parades Day is expected to be relatively calm, but conditions will deteriorate by midday. Winds are predicted to gust over 40 mph, with storm conditions worsening between 4 and 10 p.m. A storm system moving in from the west could bring tornadoes, damaging winds, and heavy rain.
A secondary wind threat also remains a concern, with the High Wind Warning in effect throughout the day.
Parade Changes in Surrounding Areas
In Covington, the Carnival in Covington parade has been moved up to 9:15 a.m., and the Krewe of Bogue Falaya will roll at 10 a.m. The Krewe of Folsom parade has been canceled.
In Lafourche Parish, the Krewe of Chana and Shaka will start at 8 a.m. in Thibodaux. The Krewe of Gras Parades will roll at 10:30 a.m., and the Krewe of Neptune will begin at 11 a.m. in Golden Meadow.
In Terrebonne Parish, only floats will roll in the Krewe of Houmas parade, which is now set to begin at 11 a.m. The Krewe of Kajuns will roll on Monday night following Cleopatra at 6 p.m.
Final Decision Pending
While officials hope to keep the Mardi Gras Parades spirit alive, public safety remains the top concern. The ultimate decision regarding Tuesday’s parades will be made early in the morning, depending on the latest weather forecasts. Revelers are advised to stay updated and prepare for possible cancellations or further schedule changes.
