Mardi Gras — and all the fun that comes with it — is on the horizon, but another Carnival celebration in our nation's capital is also just around the corner.
Every year Louisiana lawmakers, lobbyists and business executives meet in Washington, D.C., for a condensed and slightly more politically correct version of Mardi Gras, a tradition that has been carried out for more than 70 years.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming multi-day event:
What is Washington Mardi Gras?
Washington Mardi Gras began in the 1940s as a party for homesick congressional staffers from Louisiana. It has since blossomed into a multi-day event that culminates with a costume ball and parade, with heavy representation from Louisiana festival queens.
The Washington celebration is funded and organized by the Mystick Krewe of Louisianans, which pays for the event through fees, tickets sales and dues. It attracts hundreds of Louisiana residents each year, plus a cross-section of Washington political and business society, who use the event to schmooze and network.
Drew Brees reigns
Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees will reign over Carnival season celebrations in the nation's capital in January 2024.
The Krewe of Louisianans announced the choice on its website this summer.
“It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the great culture and tradition we share as a state with our nation’s leaders in our nation’s capital," Brees said in a prepared statement released by the krewe. "It’s an absolute honor to be chosen."
Baton Rouge native Camille Morrison, a sophomore at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, will reign as queen. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shane Morrison of Baton Rouge, Morrison is an alumna of St. Joseph's Academy and is studying business.
The krewe said that U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, chairman of the festival, made the selections.
When is Washington Mardi Gras?
The multi-day event is slated for the weekend of Jan. 27, but an official schedule has yet to be released. Tickets to the Washington Ball on Jan. 27 are already sold out, according to the Mystick Krewe of Louisianans website.
The official 2024 poster
Washington's official 2024 Mardi Gras poster was painted by New Orleans artist Becky Fos, who also created Louisiana's "I Voted" stickers in 2022 and 2023.
The colorful, expressive poster features cheery revelers walking alongside a second line band, the nation's Capitol building standing tall and proud in the background.
This year's theme
The theme of Washington Mardi Gras 2024 is, "Louisiana: The Most Interesting State in America." Take from that what you will.
Here's a list of each year's theme going all the way back to 1944.
