Last Thursday night, the Knights of Babylon rolled along the Uptown route, delivering a Mardi Gras parade that felt timeless, theatrical, and steeped in tradition. Under the glow of flambeaux and the hum of anticipation, Babylon reminded New Orleans that tradition—when honored with care—can still feel thrilling. For Carnival 2026, the krewe revealed its theme “A Knight at the Opera” and the parade lived up to the name.
Founded in 1939 by a group of professionals known as The Jester’s Club, the Knights of Babylon set out to create a first-class parade that would delight the public. More than eight decades later, that mission remains unchanged. Babylon is famously committed to tradition, from its enduring secrecy to the physical construction of the parade itself. The floats still use designs introduced more than seventy years ago, flambeaux still light the way, and the king’s float is still drawn by a mule—a detail that never fails to earn cheers from longtime parade-goers.
This year’s procession featured 27 floats and 310 male riders, led by King Sargon, whose title is borrowed from the legendary Babylonian ruler. As is tradition, the identity of the reigning king remained undisclosed, preserving the air of mystery that surrounds Babylon each year. Adding elegance to the royal court was Her Majesty Miss Lillian Clare Brown, whose presence complemented a parade that balanced grandeur with restraint.
The 2026 theme, “A Knight at the Opera,” unfolded like a stage production in motion. Each float felt like a carefully composed act, drawing inspiration from the drama, romance, and spectacle associated with opera—interpreted through Babylon’s classical visual language. Rather than relying on flashy reinvention, the krewe allowed craftsmanship, symbolism, and history to carry the performance. The result was a parade that felt cohesive, refined, and deeply intentional.
One of the most arresting elements of Babylon’s parade remains its lighting. Flambeaux carriers illuminated the Uptown route with flickering firelight, casting dramatic shadows across the floats and crowd alike. In a city where many parades glow with LEDs and strobes, Babylon’s fire-lit procession feels almost cinematic—an echo of Mardi Gras as it once was, and as many still hope it will always be.
The king’s mule-drawn float stood as a centerpiece of that tradition. It’s a simple but powerful reminder of Babylon’s philosophy: progress isn’t about abandoning the past. It’s about honoring it. As the mule moved steadily forward, spectators leaned in, cameras lifted, drawn to a ritual that has endured generation after generation.
While Babylon is deeply rooted in history, it still understands the joy of connection. The krewe’s signature throw, the LED jester on a stick, lit up the night as it sailed through the air, becoming one of the most coveted items of the evening. The glowing jesters—modern in design but classic in spirit—felt like a perfect metaphor for the krewe itself.
The Uptown crowd reflected Babylon’s wide-reaching appeal. Families gathered early, longtime Carnival devotees shared the sidewalks with first time Mardi Gras attendees. What sets the Krewe of Babylon apart isn’t volume or shock value—it’s consistency, discipline, and respect for the traditions that define Mardi Gras. Each float truly feels like a chapter in an ongoing story, one that grows richer with time rather than louder with trends.
Local bands and dance krewes including the 610 Stompers joined in the parade festivities lining up between floats to provide entertainment all the way down St. Charles Avenue. The parade was also greeted and toasted by newly elected New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno at Gallier Hall as is a longstanding Mardi Gras tradition in the Crescent City.
As the final float disappeared down the Uptown route and the flambeaux dimmed, Babylon left behind more than glowing throws and applause. It left a reminder that mystery still matters, craftsmanship still captivates, and tradition—when treated with reverence—never goes out of style.
With “A Knight at the Opera,” the Krewe of Babylon once again proved that some of Mardi Gras’ most powerful moments aren’t about reinvention. They’re about doing what you’ve always done—and doing it beautifully.
See the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule Here.