Your 2025 Carnival Season royalty!

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The pomp and circumstance of the 2025 Mardi Gras season has begun, and the royalty is reigning supreme.

Some kings and queens have already graced us with their presence as parades rolled earlier in the season but others are awaiting their royal debut.

Leading the carnival krewes in full regalia are some prominent names such as athletes, actresses and even some popular locals as they have been named kings, queens and grand marshals this Mardi Gras season.

Krewe of Nefertiti

New Orleans’ born and bred Independent Artist Denisia, served as the 2025 Grand Marshal for The Krewe of Nefertiti on Sunday, Feb. 16.

The krewe paraded through the streets of New Orleans East dressed in blues, purples and silvers with white afros all in alignment with their theme “Babes in Outer Space Egyptian Experience.” Denisia rode on the Grand Marshal float in a white and sequin dress dawning a headpiece of small planets and stars.

She recapped her experience in an Instagram post:

“Time of my lifeeeee 😭😍😍😍 we’re in the paper ‼️ It was an honor to be apart of the beautiful culture in my city #NewOrleans so thankful!”

Denisia is known for her rendition of Adele’s “Hello” featuring Big Choo along with singles “No Way,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Give Me Life” and more. She has been labeled the “Princess of Dip and R&B.”

Krewe of Endymion

Louisiana State University Tiger, American artistic Gymnast and influencer Olivia “Livvy” Dunne will hail as the 2025 Grand Marshal for the Krewe of Endymion.

Dunne is originally from New Jersey and has risen to become a national champion collegiate gymnast. She is also known for her social media presence and impact on the Name Image Likeness space.

Krewe officials said Dunne will be the first gymnast to serve as grand marshal, as she “embodies the spirit of athleticism, determination, and the vibrant culture of New Orleans.”

Endymion is set to roll on Saturday, March 4, under the theme “The Secret Teachings of All Ages.”

Krewe of Bacchus

Former Louisiana State University Tiger, NBA Superstar, basketball champion, sports analyst, the list goes on, Shaquille O’Neal will serve as 2025’s King Bacchus for the Krewe of Bacchus.

Throughout his NBA career, the 7’1″ center has played for several teams including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics.

Shaq will lead the 1,700 riders through Uptown New Orleans on Sunday, March 2, with the theme “Bacchus Celebrates Louisiana Fairs and Festivals.”

Krewe of Muses

For the 25th anniversary of the annual Muses parade, the krewe selected “Queen Sugar” actress Rutina Wesley to serve as the honorary Muse for 2025.

Wesley is a Las Vegas native and Julliard graduate who has held prominent roles in “Last of Us”, “True Blood” and the thriller/romance movie “The Perfect Guy.”

Wesley will lead the all-female krewe through Uptown, riding in the “iconic” 17-foot-tall fiber optic encrusted red high-heel shoe float “embracing the Krewe of Muses’ legacy of celebrating strong, inspiring women.”

The theme for the krewe’s silver anniversary will be to honor women who embody creativity, empowerment and community.

Krewe of Barkus

Serving as your 2025 Grand Marshal for the Krewe of Barkus is the city’s favorite unstoppable runaway pup Scrim.

On Sunday, March 9, a statue of the white terrier will lead the way through the French Quarter pushed by Scrim Recovery Team members tossing Scrim-themed throws.

Don’t blink or you will miss him!

Following behind Scrim is the four-legged royal court, including King Petey Benson, owned by Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, and Queen Ruthie Sable, owned by Dr. Craig and Barb Sable.

Barkus will roll under the theme “Barkus Rules the Runway.”

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