It’s Carnival season in New Orleans!

It’s officially Carnival season in New Orleans! Ceremonies and traditions heralding the start of Mardi Gras in New Orleans begin today. Don’t miss these annual rites.

Friday, January 6
The Carnival season commences on Twelfth Night, Friday, January 6. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will hold a press conference and king cake cutting ceremony at Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Avenue) at 10 a.m.

Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc Stroll

At 6 p.m., the annual Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc — a krewe devoted to the legacy of Joan of Arc — celebrates the 600th birthday of its namesake saint with an equestrian procession in the French Quarter. The walk starts at the Bienville statue at Conti and Decatur Streets and ends at the saint’s gilded statue at Decatur and St. Phillip. The small krewe puts on a unique parade, handing out throws that reflect Joan’s life, including a limited number of processional candles (hand-tagged and numbered in honor of Joan’s birthday), 16 handmade wooden swords, handsewn Joan of Arc dolls, prints and hand-painted magnets by local artists and more.

Phunny Phorty Phellows Carnival ride

The annual streetcar ride of the Phunny Phorty Phellows — a Carnival season tradition heralding the start of season — begins at the Willow Street car barn and rolls along Carrollton and St. Charles Avenues. The krewe boards at 6:30 p.m. and starts rolling at 7 p.m. The streetcar is open to krewe members only, but locals flock to this annual Carnival tradition to witness the spectacle.

Saturday, January 7

Iris and Hermes are the two messenger gods of Carnival and this year they’re launching a fun new Carnival tradition with a “Get the Message Out” run around Audubon Park to kick off the Mardi Gras season. Registration forms are available the morning of the run. Sign-in starts at 8:30 a.m. The Lil’ Messengers Run starts at 9:15 and the Messenger Run/Walk starts at 9:30 a.m. King cake and refreshments will be served.