In New Orleans, Carnival starts on Twelfth Night and lasts until Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday. The tradition of revelry, called Twelfth Night or Kings’ Day, all started with a drunken cake party (explained in the video).

Mardi Gras is February 17 in 2026.

Although Carnival is actually officially kicked off on Twelfth Night, New Orleans starts with a big parade on January 1.