New Orleans City Council considers changes for future carnival seasons

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — As New Orleans begins preparing for next year’s Mardi Gras season, city leaders are reflecting on what worked in 2025, and what might need to change moving forward.

At Tuesday’s Governmental Affairs Committee meeting, the New Orleans City Council discussed a variety of possible updates to the city’s carnival operations, from parade routes and safety measures to vendor regulations and parking enforcement.

City officials say many of the changes implemented during the most recent carnival season worked well, including the use of a serpentine route along St. Charles Avenue, which allowed for better crowd control and traffic flow.

When asked if the route would return in 2026, New Orleans Police Department representatives said bringing back the serpentine path is the plan.

“That would be the intention and the plan going forward,” Lt. Buddy Micheu with the NOPD said.

Homeland Security Director Collin Arnold noted that a dedicated safety lane might complicate the logistics.

“That will certainly require a lot more conversation,” Arnold said.

Councilwoman Lesli Harris emphasized the need to include neighborhood associations in the planning process.

“Specifically Faubourg dela Chase Neighborhood Association that’s there, and the Garden District Neighborhood Association to get their feedback, because we did get some push back when we talked about the serpentine route,” Harris said.

Council members also listened to public comments. One resident voiced frustration that elderly paradegoers were not allowed to sit along certain sections of the Avenue, while another called for street sweepers to clean up debris after each parade to reduce safety hazards.

A potential ban on the sale of confetti by mobile vendors was also discussed as part of efforts to clean up the streets and reduce litter. Council members suggested the ordinance may extend to brick-and-mortar retailers as well.

“While we’re addressing the mobile vendors, I think we also need to address the brick-and-mortar stores still selling it,” Harris said.

“We’ll look at amending the ordinance and just saying we won’t allow the sale of confetti,” added Councilman JP Morrell.

After the Krewe of Nyx was removed from the parade schedule, Morrell said the city saw a rush of interest from groups hoping to take the open spot. In response, he’s developing a more formal waitlist system for parade permits.

“We have begun the process. We have a draft, it’s not ready for air time yet, there will be a future draft released,” Morrell said.

Another proposal would consolidate parking enforcement under the NOPD, streamlining operations during parade season.

“Right now its two separate agencies to have them combined is going to be excellent. And I think it’s going to be beneficial to the city of New Orleans.”

While several issues remain under discussion, the committee did move forward with one ordinance: removing the requirement for hip tags on horses used in parades, simplifying compliance for krewe organizers.

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