The History of Parades Beyond Mardi Gras in New Orleans

From jazz funerals to second lines, spring festivals to neighborhood krewes,

New Orleans parades all year long.

When most people think of New Orleans parades, their minds jump straight to Mardi Gras—and who can blame them? The glittering beads, the towering floats, the wild revelry of Carnival season has earned global fame. But what many don’t realize is that parading in New Orleans is not limited to Mardi Gras. In fact, it’s a year-round tradition that runs deep through the city’s cultural veins.

A City That Parades Its Soul

Parading isn’t just an event here—it’s a form of expression. It’s how we celebrate, how we mourn, how we protest, and how we play. The roots of this year-round parade culture stretch back centuries, blending influences from African, French, Spanish, and Caribbean traditions to create a uniquely New Orleans phenomenon.

Second Lines: The Heartbeat of the Streets

One of the most beloved non-Mardi Gras parade traditions is the second line parade, organized primarily by social aid and pleasure clubs. With brass bands leading the way and joyous dancing behind them, second lines are a celebration of life, community, and resilience. These Sunday afternoon parades can be found in neighborhoods across the city, especially in the spring and fall, and they’re open to anyone who wants to follow the beat.

Second lines originated from jazz funerals, another iconic form of New Orleans parading. The “first line” referred to the formal procession—the family, the band, the casket. The “second line” was everyone else: the neighbors, the dancers, the celebration. Over time, the second line took on a life of its own.

Parading for a Cause

Parades in New Orleans are also political. From civil rights marches to LGBTQ+ celebrations like Southern Decadence, the streets have long been a stage for protest and pride. The annual Women’s March, Black Masking Indian parades, and other community-led processions remind us that in this city, the act of parading is often one of empowerment.

Festivals that Roll

Outside of Mardi Gras season, New Orleans hosts an endless lineup of festivals that bring parades into the mix. French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest may be known for music, but they’re also full of mini-parades, pop-up performances, and cultural processions.

More recently, new krewes have emerged to fill the seasonal gaps—like Krewe of Krampus in winter, Krewe of BOO! in October, and now, the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler, rolling each April between the French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest weekends. These non-Carnival parades keep the creative spirit of Mardi Gras alive long after Fat Tuesday fades.

Neighborhood Krewes and Walking Clubs

Some of the most magical parades are the smallest. Think of the Krewe of Barkus, a parade entirely for dogs in the French Quarter. Or the St. Anne walking krewe on Mardi Gras morning, known for elaborate costumes and spontaneous joy. There’s a growing trend of hyper-local neighborhood krewes throwing DIY parades in their own communities—with handmade floats, live bands, and plenty of heart.

The Parade Never Ends

In New Orleans, parading isn’t confined to a calendar date—it’s a way of life. Whether we’re celebrating springtime, mourning a legend, or just finding an excuse to dance in the street, we roll because it brings us together.

So while Mardi Gras may be the crown jewel of New Orleans parades, it’s only the beginning of the story. The beat goes on, all year long. And lucky for you, you’re always invited.

Want to roll with us?

Join the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler this April and be part of New Orleans’ growing parade tradition—beyond Mardi Gras.