While Mardi Gras Day falls on Tuesday, February 24 this year, the parades, balls, parties and King Cakes of Carnival season traditionally begin on the 6th of January every year, also known as the Epiphany.

Our show hosts are playing tons of Carnival music, making this one of the best times of year to tune into WWOZ.

» Show Host Blog — see what our show hosts are up to during Carnival

» Mardi Gras Forum — share your Mardi Gras announcements and stories

Parade Highlights

Krewe of Oshun

Friday, February 13 at 6 p.m.

Uptown Route

The Krewe of Oshun was formed in 1996 in honor of the Yoruba goddess of love, and the krewe's royalty usually sport traditional African-style garments. One of the first integrated and co-ed Carnival organizations, the theme of this year's parade is "Story Time Rhyme." The parade will feature seven bands and three dance groups, with DJ Captain Charles as Oshun's celebrity guest.

» See a map of Oshun's parade route 

Krewe of Barkus

Sunday, February 15 at 2 p.m.

French Quarter

The first Carnival krewe to open its membership to all dogs, "regardless of their past," the Mystic Krewe of Barkus was dreamed up in 1992 at a meeting of the Margaret Orr Fan Club held at Good Friends Bar. The krewe aims to call attention to homeless animals in shelters across our area waiting to be adopted into a good home, and proceeds benefit regional animal rescue and welfare organizations.

» Go to the Krewe of Barkus website

Mardi Gras Indians

Many New Orleanians get in shape for Carnival by attending weekly Mardi Gras Indian practices held at several clubs around town.

One of the most popular is the Unified Mardi Gras Indian Practice at Handa Wanda's, 2425 Dryades Street, every Sunday evening.

Learn more about the Mardi Gras Indians:

» See our WWOZ Show Host Blog for more information about Mardi Gras Indian practices

» Visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum

» Visit the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame

» Second and Dryades Mardi Gras Indian Federation

» Listen to a Street Talk story about the Wild Mohicans Mardi Gras Indians

» Listen to a Street Talk story on the Mardi Gras Indians

From Tramps to Kings: 100 Years of Zulu

The Louisiana State Museum and the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club proudly present "From Tramps to Kings: 100 Years of Zulu," a major new exhibit exploring the origins, unique Carnival traditions, and cultural and civic contributions of Zulu from 1909 to the present. "From Tramps to Kings" features more than 100 seldom-seen treasures loaned by Zulu members. Highlights include a ballroom tableau of 14 former Zulu Kings and Queens in bejeweled costumes and elaborate headdresses, and all seven of Zulu’s comic parade characters including the Big Shot of Africa, the Witch Doctor, and the Ambassador.

» View the on-line exhibit at The Louisiana State Museum website
» Visit the Krewe of Zulu website

2009 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Mardi Gras Around the World

Australia's Perth Blues Club's Mardi Gras Party

On January 24 from noon to midnight, Australia's Perth Blues Club hosted its inaugural Mardi Gras celebration at the Charles Hotel in Perth. The event was hosted by non-profit organizations, and while it's inspired by New Orleans, the flavor is uniquely Western Australian.

Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Mardi Gras Ball in Washington, D.C.

The capitol's 2009 Mardi Gras Ball was held on January 31, with the theme of "Sunshine on the Delta." The 2009 Chairman is U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander (R-Quitman), and the King and Queen are Roy O. Martin III and Laura Kathryn Martin of Alexandria, Louisiana. The ball was sponsored by the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians, which boasts over 400 members in D.C.

» Mardi Gras parades in Baton Rouge
» Mardi Gras parades in Mobile, Alabama
» Carnival 2009 in Salvador da Bahia, Brasil
» Carnival celebrations in Brasil (in Portuguese)
» International Carnival Calendar
» More Mardi Gras celebrations around the world

King Cakes

Where to Buy

» Gambino's Bakery
» Haydel's Bakery
» Randazzo's Camellia City Bakery

Recipes

» Emeril Lagasse's King Cake Recipe
» Mardi Gras Cream Cheese Filled King Cake

The Making Of. . .

» Watch a video of the making of a King Cake at Haydel's Bakery
» Read a little bit about the history of King Cakes

Read More:

» See WWOZ's Mardi Gras coverage from 2008