Riding with the Krewe of King Arthur 2026
Belonging, Pride, and Pure Mardi Gras Magic
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, I did something I’ll carry with me forever: I rode in the Krewe of King Arthur parade for Mardi Gras. One day later (and probably for days to come), I can still feel the buzz in my chest—the kind that comes from being part of something joyful, chaotic, historic, and deeply human.
From the moment I joined the Krewe, there was an immediate sense of belonging. This wasn’t just a group of people sharing a float; it was a community. Seasoned riders welcomed newcomers like me with open arms, inside jokes, and a shared excitement that needed no explanation. Mardi Gras is a language everyone here speaks fluently, and once you’re in, you’re in. That feeling—of being accepted and embraced for your enthusiasm alone—is powerful.
That sense of connection deepened as parade day approached, especially when it came to our float lieutenants. Our float is just one of nearly 70 in the Krewe, but to us, it felt like the center of the universe. The loyalty I felt toward our lieutenants, Chris and John, surprised me. They put in countless hours organizing throws, managing logistics, answering questions, calming nerves, and somehow keeping everything fun along the way. Riding that float, I felt an immense gratitude—and a real desire to do right by them. You don’t want to let people like that down.
Chris is responsible for joining this adventure a couple of years ago The first year, he rode alone. Last year, we rode together, and sharing it with him this year made everything richer. From the early anticipation to the nervous excitement as we climbed onto the float, we experienced it side by side. We laughed, we double-checked our throws, and we took a moment to look at each other before we rolled—both of us knowing we were about to be swept into something unforgettable.
And then… the route. The energy is impossible to describe unless you’ve lived it. Riding through New Orleans, looking out at a sea of faces, I was struck by how incredibly diverse this city is. Families, friends, longtime locals, first-time visitors—all of them reaching up, cheering, laughing, celebrating together. It’s vibrant in a way that feels alive, electric, and inclusive all at once. The city doesn’t just watch Mardi Gras; it becomes it.
When we reached the end of the route, a wave of achievement washed over me. Exhaustion, yes—but also pride. We did it. We were part of something remarkable, something much bigger than ourselves. That moment carries a quiet power: the realization that you contributed to a tradition that brings joy to thousands of people, year after year.
What surprised me most was how quickly anticipation took over. The parade wasn’t even fully behind us before conversations turned to next year. Ideas were already forming, friendships strengthening, plans beginning to take shape. That’s the magic of it—you finish one parade already dreaming about the next.
Above all, I feel pride. Pride in the Krewe of King Arthur, pride in our float, pride in the people who make this happen, and pride in having shared this experience with Chris. We were part of something special, something historic, something full of heart.
If you’ve ever thought about riding in a Mardi Gras parade—let this be your sign. 2027 marks the 50th anniversary of the Krewe of King Arthur, and there is no better time to get involved. Come find your people. Come feel the energy. Come be part of something bigger than yourself. I promise—you’ll never forget it.
