New Parade Rules from the City Council

New Mardi Gras Parade Rules from the New Orleans City Council

Ever found yourself annoyed by groups who camp out on the parade route, block off more space than they really need, preventing others to get close to the parade? In a move to make the sidewalks and neutral grounds along the parade routes less contentious during Mardi Gras parades, the New Orleans City Council has adopted a set of new rules for 2025. 

Tents, tarps (and all enclosures), sofas, scaffolding and viewing platforms are now banned, along with grills of all kinds and electric generators. Portable toilets are also prohibited. Any individuals or organizations that place tented toilets on the route could be fined $250 a day. According to the code, these objects may be removed and disposed of by the city. Six-foot ladders and chairs are still allowed but they must be set back at least 6 feet from the curb. Ladders cannot be strapped together. Confetti cannons have also been banned. Furthermore, beads can no longer include symbols other than symbols of the krewe.

There are new rules for marching bands as well. They must be composed of musicians from schools or non-profit organizations and have at least 30 participants. Military bands are exempt from these rules.

More new rules:

• Krewes must provide NOPD and other city agencies with a copy of their parade lineups — a list of the floats, bands and other parade features.
• Floats will appear in no more than two parades without being redecorated.
• Horses in parades must be marked with a hip tag proving they’ve been properly vaccinated. 
• Horses that aren’t participating in parades, with the exception of police horses, are not allowed within 200 yards of the parade route. That goes for reptiles, too.