NEW ORLEANS — Officials with the Algiers Mardi Gras Festival have named Edward J. Robinson Sr., a lifelong Algiers resident, community leader and veteran, as the 2026 Grand Marshal of the Algiers Mardi Gras Festival, scheduled for Jan. 24 at Federal City.
The Algiers Mardi Gras Festival will celebrate its sixth annual event on Jan. 24, offering a free, family-friendly Carnival experience for residents and visitors alike. The festival will include a parade through the Algiers neighborhood, live entertainment, food vendors, kid-focused activities and the return of popular features such as the Kid’s Stage and the “Best of the Fest” school participation competition.
“Edward Robinson Sr. embodies the spirit of Algiers — service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to lifting others,” Oscar Rainey, president of the Algiers Mardi Gras Festival said. “His impact spans generations, and it is an honor to recognize him as our 2026 Grand Marshal.”
Now a cornerstone of the West Bank festival season, the Algiers Mardi Gras Festival is anchored by its partnership and dedication to service. Supported by community partners, like the University of Holy Cross (UHC), the festival advances a mission to celebrate culture, education and economic development in Algiers.
“The Algiers Mardi Gras Festival reflects the heart of this community and UHC is proud to be its official partner for over three years,” said Stanton McNeeley, president of the University of Holy Cross. “Honoring leaders like Edward Robinson Sr. aligns with our commitment to service, education and uplifting our neighbors here on the West Bank.”
Robinson, who was born and raised in Algiers, has dedicated more than seven decades to serving the community he calls home. A graduate of L.B. Landry High School’s Class of 1962, Robinson went on to serve 26 years in the U.S. Army before returning home to continue his lifelong commitment to civic engagement, economic development and community service.
A graduate of Southern University at New Orleans with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Robinson is an accomplished entrepreneur who founded several successful ventures, including the longtime Algiers record store Your Culture Corner and L & R Security, which has served the New Orleans metro area for more than 50 years. He also held the management contract for the Louisiana Superdome from 1975 to 1998, creating significant employment opportunities for local residents.
Robinson’s community involvement includes decades of work in voter education and neighborhood advocacy, as well as membership in the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee and the Algiers Economic Development Foundation. A devoted member of Beautiful Zion Baptist Church for more than 70 years, he currently serves as a lead deacon and trustee. He is also widely recognized for his philanthropic leadership through the Westbank Que’s and the Gamma Roh Foundation, where he has contributed more than $20,000 to scholarship initiatives since 2002.
Algiers Mardi Gras Festival Event Details
Date: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Federal City, Algiers, New Orleans
For additional information and festival updates, visit www.algiersmardigrasfest.com.