South Louisiana Parades Canceled, Rescheduled Due to Severe Mardi Gras Weather

With strong winds and potential severe weather looming over South Louisiana, Mardi Gras celebrations are being reshuffled or canceled entirely across the state. Several parades have been canceled, rescheduled or moved to earlier start times in anticipation of dangerous conditions on Fat Tuesday.

Jefferson Parish Cancels Mardi Gras Day Parades

In Jefferson Parish, all Mardi Gras Day parades have been officially canceled. The Krewe of Argus confirmed the decision Monday, citing safety concerns over high winds.

Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng stated that the National Weather Service predicts a 79% chance of wind gusts exceeding 60 mph as early as sunrise on Tuesday.

“Due to the forecasted high winds and potential threat to public safety, we have made the difficult decision to cancel parades on Mardi Gras Day. This is disappointing, but our top priority is ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community,” Sheng said in a news conference.

Organizers also confirmed that Krewe of Argus will not roll on Lundi Gras but will be rescheduled for a later date.

New Orleans’ Zulu and Rex Parades Still Set to Roll—Just a Little Earlier

Despite weather concerns, the iconic Zulu and Rex parades in New Orleans are still on schedule. Both krewes are moving forward with their Fat Tuesday traditions as of Monday morning, though officials remain in close communication with local authorities.

UPDATE:

Zulu will roll at 7 a.m.

Rex will follow at 9 a.m.

Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club spokesperson Darren Mire said, “We’re keeping our ears to the ground, but right now we’re loading floats for tomorrow morning.”

Zulu President Judge Elroy James added that they are prepared to adjust if necessary. “If we have to start early, we will,” he said.

Similarly, Rex Parade organizers have indicated that the King of Carnival is set to proceed as scheduled. However, any last-minute changes will be made in coordination with the New Orleans Police Department and other agencies.

Parade Schedule Adjustments Across South Louisiana

Beyond Jefferson Parish and New Orleans, several other communities are modifying parade times due to the incoming weather.

- Vermillon Parish: The Krewe Chic-A-La-Pie parade in Kaplan will roll down Cushing Avenue at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, instead of 2 p.m.
- Acadia Parish: The Carnival D’ Acadie parade has been moved up to 10 a.m. and will begin at 717 W. Mill Street.

Live entertainment will be relocated to the Tony Robicheaux Sports Complex (Rice Festival Building).
Lafayette Parish: King Gabriel’s Parade will now roll at 9 a.m. instead of 10 a.m., and the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade, originally planned to roll at 1 p.m., will now roll at 10 a.m.

The Independent Parade has been cancelled.

Festival Carnival at Cajun Field has also been cancelled for Tuesday.

- St. Mary Parish: Franklin Mardi Gras Parade will now start at 10 a.m. on the originally planned route.

With Mardi Gras festivities in full swing, officials are urging revelers to stay informed about the latest weather updates and any potential additional changes to parade schedules. We will continue to follow the forecast from our media partners at KATC.

For the latest updates on parade changes and cancellations, continue to check back on this post. You can also check the parade schedule below, which is updated in real time.

If your organization has time changes, feel free to reach out and message us with that information.