The 2024 Jefferson Parish Carnival season gets started on Feb. 2 and concludes on Mardi Gras, Tuesday Feb. 13. Here’s a preview of all the upcoming parades, which will be updated with more details and any changes as Carnival approaches. A preview of all 2024 New Orleans parades, with dates and maps, is just a click away.
Little Rascals – Canceled in 2024
Sadly, the annual kids’ parade that’s started the season in Metairie since 1983 won’t roll in 2024, due to the death of its co-founder, Jack Spittler Sr., in October. The krewe hopes to return in 2025.
Excalibur
Friday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Boulevard route, westbound (see map above)
The co-ed Krewe of Excalibur, named for King Arthur’s magical sword, has reigned over the kingdom of Metairie since 2000. The 2024 theme is “Chevaliers Tour de France,” with floats and costumes representing the Moulin Rouge, gargoyles, wine country, and other Gallic icons. Expect 22 floats, six marching groups and 18 bands, including the first Metairie appearance of the St. Aug Marching 100, according to parade captain Missy Hildreth. Amid the barrage of throws, parade-goers should be on the lookout for five special golden shields. The lucky audience members who snag a shield are invited to ride in the 2025 parade. For more chivalrous information, visit the Excalibur website.
MadHatters
Saturday Feb. 3, 5 p.m., Veterans Memorial Boulevard route, westbound (see map above)
The Magical Krewe of MadHatters materialized in 2020 with a perennial “Alice in Wonderland” theme. The unique parade features musicians and bands performing live on moving floats. This year’s lineup includes Rockin’ Dopsie, Dalila Seruntine, Vince Vance and the Valiants, Amanda Shaw and many others. The 2024 parade will be composed of 34 floats, with riders tossing plush hats of all sorts, as well as other throws. For more mad information, go down the rabbit hole here.
The Magical Krewe of MadHatters rolls along the traditional parade route in Metairie, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. (Staff Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Atlas
Sunday, Feb. 4, 4 p.m., Veterans Memorial Boulevard route, westbound (see map above)
Founded in 1969, the co-ed krewe is named for the giant in Greek mythology who was doomed to hold up the heavens for eternity. Last year, the krewe’s 200-plus riders rode 14 floats. Check back for more information as the date of the parade approaches.
Caerus -- New in 2024!
Sunday, Feb. 4, 4:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Boulevard route, westbound (see map above)
The Krewe of Caerus is dedicated to the Greek god of opportunity and luck. The parade is expected to have 200 riders on 14 floats. Some floats will be designated for families, including children. The theme, and specialty throws have not yet been announced, according to co-founder Robert Holmes. Check back for more information as the date of the inaugural parade approaches. For more advantageous information, visit the Caerus website.
Mystic Krewe of Music -- new in 2024
Monday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m., Marrero route (see map above)
The West Bank krewe was named for music, because, as founder Henry Smith Jr. put it, in New Orleans there’s “music, music, everywhere.” With an expected 20 floats, carrying 250 or more riders, the parade will follow the same route through Marrero as the Culinary Queens and Nandi. The inaugural parade theme is “Music Around the World,” which will include references to rock, gospel and even Christmas music. Lucky parade goers may catch a musical pillow. For more melodic information, visit the krewe website.
Babydoll Blonde Eura Jones was all smiles as the Krewe of The Culinary Queens of New Orleans makes its way down Lapalco Boulevard in Marrero on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. The krewe honors women in the food and beverage industry. Signature throws included plastic wine glasses, glittered spatulas, and chefÕs hats. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Culinary Queens
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m. Marrero route (see map above)
The Krewe of TCQNO – The Culinary Queens of New Orleans – popped up in Marrero in 2022, as a tribute to women in the region’s food and beverage industry. This year’s theme is “The Holy Trinity,” referring to the third annual parade and, of course, the fundamental flavorings in traditional Creole cooking. Peppers, celery, and onions – both edible and plastic — will be tossed by the krewe’s 300 riders on 15 floats, as well as signature hand-decorated spatulas. Note: The parade route will be slightly lengthened this year, following the West Bank Expressway to Barataria Boulevard, according to krewe captain Akasia Lee-Nichols. For more tasty information, visit the TCQNO website.
Nandi -- New in 2024!
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m., Marrero route (see map above)
Named for the Queen Mother of the Zulu Nation, the all-female Krewe of Nandi is meant to empower members “through sisterhood, community service, and social gatherings.” The inaugural parade will feature roughly 300 riders on 17 floats. the signature throw will be hand-decorated teacups, which relate to the 2024 theme, “Tipping a Teacup.” Check back for more stirring information as the date of the inaugural parade approaches.
Symphony
Thursday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Boulevard, westbound (see map above)
Founded in 2022, the all-male social aid and pleasure club is devoted to “celebrating the beauty and brilliance of unity, inclusiveness and strength together.” The 2024 parade will feature roughly 300 riders on 15 floats. Check back for more details as they become available.
Athena
Sunday, Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Boulevard route, westbound (see map above)
In its 10th year, the Krewe of Athena Carnival Club, Inc. was named for the Greek goddess of wisdom, war and fine craft. It was created as a Carnival organization for professional women from diverse backgrounds. In 2024, the krewe expects 800 riders on 30 floats — a big increase from last year. Athena's 2024 theme is "Super Bold Sunday: A League of Their Own," and riders will be tossing lavender-colored footballs in addition to signature hand-decorated fedoras, as well as other throws. For more wisdom, consult the krewe website.
The Krewe of Atlas rolls to the theme 'Atlas Celebrates Music,' Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, in Metairie. Jacinda Daigle Gleuck reigned as queen over more than 200 riders on 14 floats. (Staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Centurions
Monday, Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Boulevard route, westbound (see map above)
Named for Roman legion leaders, the 350-member co-ed parade typically rolls with 20-plus floats. Last year, for the first time, Centurions moved from Friday into the Lundi Gras slot in the Jefferson Parish Carnival schedule. The 2024 parade theme is “Centurions Goes on an Adventure.” Parade-goers should look for hand-decorated swords. For more information try roamin' the krewe website.
Argus
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Boulevard route, eastbound (see map above)
Argus is turning 50, having paraded in Metairie on Mardi Gras since 1974. Named for a 100-eyed giant in Greek mythology whose eyes were transferred to the peacock’s tail, the krewe uses a peacock as its principal symbol. A family-oriented procession, the 450 riders include men, women and children. For more information, lay your eyes on the Argus website.
The Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians rolls to the theme 'Let the Good Times Roll,' Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Metairie. The parade, which follows the Krewe of Argus, featured 1,200 riders on 40 trucks. Proceeds from Elks-sponsored activities fund charities for veterans and children. (Staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Elks Jeffersonians truck parade
Tuesday, Feb. 13, follows Argus, Veterans Memorial Boulevard route, eastbound (see map above)
Established in 1974, the Carnival convoy, features as many as 50 home-decorated semis with riders representing families and social clubs. The procession brings Carnival parading to a close in Jefferson Parish.
Krewe of Jefferson truck parade —discontinued
Regrettably, after 51 years of rolling through Metairie on Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Jefferson truck parade called it quits in August, because of declining participation.
The 2024 New Orleans Carnival season starts on Saturday, Jan. 6, and concludes on Mardi Gras, Tuesday Feb. 13.
Sure, it’s the height of summer and Mardi Gras is still almost six months away. But if you want to join a krewe in time for the 2024 Carnival …
Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montano pledged that parade routes in 2024 would be at least as long as last year.
