NEW ORLEANS – For Carnival 2026, the “Goddesses in Bodices” will parade the avenue as “Dames Gone Festin’,” highlighting both major and little known festivals around Louisiana (Jazz & Heritage and Giant Omelette, respectively). Those that see the ladies of Dames de Perlage marching will see such festivals as Po Boy, Satchmo and even Tennessee Williams depicted in sparkly beaded corsets and befeathered headpieces as they sashay and display their artwork to the soul bopping sounds of the Big Fun Brass Band.
“Deciding on this year’s theme was a no-brainer,” said Grande Dame Christine Clouatre. “How could we miss? We New Orleanians are ‘powered by fest’, and each of the Dames had an idea on what to do as soon as we announced it!”
“Included will be the better known festivals like Crescent City Blues & BBQ, Essence Fest and French Quarter Fest, but also the sweet regional and longtime local favorites like Weenie Spaghetti, Greek Fest and Nachitoches Festival of Lights,” said Co-founder and Grande Dame Julie Lodato. “We Dames will represent about a quarter of the 400 or so annual festivals in the state.”
Clouatre and Lodato reveal the next year’s theme to the krewe shortly after the previous Mardi Gras. Then, the Dames spend the rest of the year researching, designing, and handsewing their subjects into a beautifully striking ensemble, all the time keeping the theme a secret. And then, for the 13th time in the krewe’s existence, the Dames will once again be marching canvases, depicting yet another aspect of the history and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana at large.
Here’s your chance to see them all at once. Will your favorite festivals be included?
(All parades are uptown except on Lundi Gras.)
• Krewe of Freret – Saturday, 3:30 p.m., Feb. 7
• Krewe of King Arthur – Sunday, 1 p.m., Feb. 8
• Krewe of Oak – Friday, 7 p.m., Feb. 13 (at Maple Leaf Bar)
• Krewe of Tucks – Saturday, Noon, Feb. 14
• Dame Fine Second Line – Lundi Gras (Monday), 3 p.m., Feb. 16 (at Acme French Quarter)
When the Dames aren’t beading or preparing to march, they involve themselves in community efforts. The founders share the organization’s focus is on helping to keep New Orleanians healthy and happy by fighting food insecurity and hosting twice-yearly blood drives.
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