All Things Carnival
Welcome to All Things Carnival, your one-stop-shop of Carnival information and resources in the City Archives & Special Collections! Find information about the history of Carnival, photographs, ephemera, exhibits, archival materials, and information regarding the Archives and New Orleans Public Library Carnival Closures for the 2026 season.
Carnival In the Archives
The City Archives & Special Collections is a great place to research the history of Carnival. Municipal records show the city’s attitudes towards different Carnival trends, show changes in permitting and practice, and document the push for changes to city laws regulating Mardi Gras Krewes. Search our online finding aids for “Carnival” or “Mardi Gras” to see our many collections.
Did you know?
Dorothy Mae Taylor authored the ordinance desegregating Mardi Gras krewes in 1992.
Current city ordinances are available to view digitally on Municode. Search for ordinances related to Carnival, and trace the history of the ordinance in the municipal records held in the City Archives.
Did you know?
It's a tradition for the Mayor of New Orleans to toast the King and Queen of Rex and Zulu on the steps of Gallier Hall on Mardi Gras Day.
Carnival Collection
Explore the Archives’ Carnival Collection. Materials include invitations, admittance cards, advertisements, carnival bulletins, doubloons, dance cards, and ephemera.
Old Line Krewe Ephemera
Learn about the “old line krewes” of Carnival, the oldest parading krewes in the city! Explore ball invitations and dance cards, admittance cards and carnival bulletins in this online digital exhibit. Featuring the Mistick Krewe of Comus, Twelfth Night Revelers, Knights of Momus, Rex, and Proteus.
Mardi Gras Dates
Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday. Wondering the exact dates of past Mardi Gras? Ready to start planning a Mardi Gras trip in 2040? We got you! View the dates of Mardi Gras Day from 1947-2050.
Did you know?
Carnival has only been cancelled thirteen times since 1857, mostly due to war.
Costume and Float Designs
Explore the costume and float designs in the Leda Plauche Collection. Plauche designed for Rex, Proteus, Comus, Momus, and Nereus throughout her career. The collection also includes designs from Bror Anders Wikstrom, which were donated together by Plauche.
Did you know?
Purple, green, and gold are the official colors of carnival and represent justice, faith, and power.
Postcards
Check out postcards from Carnivals past. Floats, parades, crowds, balls, and more!
Did you know?
Looking for Arthur Hardy's Mardi Gras Guide? The Archives has copies dating back to 1977
Carnival in Photographs
Check out our photograph collections that capture the City of New Orleans celebrating Carnival! From visitors to locals to mayors and city councilmembers, everyone has fun at Mardi Gras!
Did you know?
Curious about the history of king cakes, or just need a recipe? Check out our website.
Archives Closures
The City Archives & Special Collections will follow the following schedule for Mardi Gras 2026:
- Friday, February 6 close at 4pm
- CLOSED Saturday, February 7
- Thursday, February 12 close at 3pm
- Friday, February 13 close at 4pm
- CLOSED Saturday February 14
- Monday, February 16 close at 1pm
- CLOSED Tuesday February 17
Library Closures
Stay up to date with New Orleans Public Library closures for the 2026 Carnival Season by checking the Library’s Website.
This post was created by Brittanny Silva in 2025 and is updated annually.