The Krewe of Cleopatra
The Krewe of Cleopatra made its Mardi Gras debut in 1972, parading on the first Friday of Carnival season. With over 3,250 riders, 25 floats, and an extensive fan base, the Krewe of Cleopatra's parade is surely a favored experience among the New Orleans community.
What to Expect this Year
This year, the Krewe of Cleopatra celebrates its 53rd anniversary, with the 2026 theme being "Cleopatra's Friday Night is for the Girls." Their 20 theme floats and five signature floats make for an elaborate and inventive Mardi Gras parade experience.
On February 6 at 6 p.m., the parade will begin at Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street, proceeding down Napoleon. Once reaching St. Charles Avenue, the parade will turn right and proceed until Canal Street, where it will then turn right again. The floats will return Uptown by turning right onto Tchoupitoulas Street and it will conclude once meeting Poydras Street.
Cleopatra Signatures
Through the years, the Krewe of Cleopatra have showcased plenty of signature floats, as well as throws for parade-goers eager to return home with a Cleopatra emblem. Signature floats include Captain's Float, Cleopatra's Royal Barge, Queen "Tutt," Cleopatra's Nile: the River of Life, and the Video Title Float.
Many people along the parade route will be expected to leave with drinking glasses, pillows, and crawfish trays, among other items. In previous years, the floats have tossed necklaces, pendants, and hand-painted beads, which may also be available this year.
Cleopatra also hosts various events throughout the year specific to the krewe's mission and interests. Krewe member meetings, the parade queen selection, Toys for Tots fundraisers, the Rendezvous Ball, and Friends and Family Day are supplemental events for members.
The Krewe's History
The Krewe of Cleopatra strives to uphold the legacy of the famous queen herself, who represents bravery, beauty, and fearlessness. Cleopatra, originally a Westbank parade, encapsulates the powerful nature of femininity, which this all-female krewe embraces. Since 1972, the Krewe of Cleopatra has been a staple in the Mardi Gras parade sequence and serves as a representation of the creativity and excitement Carnival season inspires.
