The 55th Annual Greasing of the Poles in New Orleans took place on Friday, February 28 in preparation for the Mardi Gras weekend ahead. Hosted at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans located at 300 Bourbon Street, the Greasing of the Poles is a tradition of the French Quarter that began at this exact location. The ritual of lathering up the building’s support poles is to deter anyone from climbing up onto balconies. Over half a century later, the tradition has evolved into a star-studded, musical, and entertainment-filled event.
Wearing classic Carnival headdresses and costumes, locals and visitors crowded the area on Bourbon Street to watch as the judges and contestants were announced by ceremonial leader and singer Robin Barnes. Everyone cheered, drinks in hand, as the event began with Barnes and HaSizzle performing their new single “Hey Na” to pump up the crowd.
Royal sonesta General Manager David Bilbe, in a bright purple suit jacket, welcomed onto the stage King Zulu Elect Rodney P. Mason Jr. and Queen Zulu Elect Kristen B. Mason, NOMTOC President Mr. James Henderson, Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson of the Mardi Gras Indians, and 2025 King Jerry Alexander. The guests were escorted by 610 Stompers and Merry Antoinettes as they arrived to give an introduction to the city’s hands-on Mardi Gras tradition.
Burlesque dancer Trixie Minx, local meteorologist Scot Pilié, and TikTok personality Buku Triece were tasked with tossing greasing throws from the Sonesta balcony. Leroy James and the Original Hurricane Brass Band gave another grand entrance to Robin Barnes as she reappeared to announce the list of judges for the morning. The panel included: The Bachelor star Kelsey Anderson; Al Groos, former GM of The Royal Sonesta; TV host Tamica Lee; and Shirin Braden, Moët Hennessy’s director of brand activation and experiences.
The contestants were announced as Fleurty Girl Boutique owner Lauren Haydel, local bounce artist HaSizzle, Axios journalist Chelsea Brasted, and social media personality Evelyn “Evie” Bories. The eager greasers climbed their purple ladders, tubs of Vaseline in hand, ready to grease up the Sonesta poles for the crowd. Haydel wore a neon green outfit. Chelsea wore a green outfit with an alligator theme while HaSizzle went with a grand feathered outfit and Bories with a red hot sauce inspired costume. Barnes counted down and the four were off to greasing.
After the judges reviewed the greasing ceremony, they decided Lauren Haydel won the contest, using the most Vaseline we have ever seen. She actually had to be resupplied with another tub of Vaseline, finishing off her work by sticking her feather boa to the pole. We don’t anticipate any rowdy Mardi Gras guests being able to climb up these poles any time soon!
We can’t wait to see what is in store for Mardi Gras 2026!