Last Thursday night, Krewe of Muses once again proved why Muses tHERsday has become one of the most anticipated nights of Carnival. Rolling through the Uptown route, the all-female krewe delivered a parade that balanced sharp political satire, pop culture wit, and heartfelt celebration—anchored, as always, by creativity and craftsmanship.
At the very front of the parade rode the 2026 Honorary Muse, Soledad O’Brien, perched high in the krewe’s iconic 17-foot-tall, fiber-optic red high-heel shoe. Each year, Muses selects a distinguished woman with deep New Orleans connections who embodies the spirit of the krewe, and O’Brien’s career as a journalist, storyteller, and advocate made her a natural choice. From her elevated vantage point, she waved to cheering crowds who understood exactly what that towering shoe represents: visibility, empowerment, and celebration of women who inspire. At her stop at Gallier Hall to toast the mayor she was also given the Key to the City of New Orleans.
Musical energy surged through the route as the Grammy Award–winning Marching 100 brought powerhouse rhythms and precision to the night. Their performance added a layer of spectacle and soul, turning the parade into a moving celebration that pulsed with sound as much as color.
True to tradition, Muses leaned heavily into satire this year, proving once again that glitter and grit can coexist beautifully. Political and cultural commentary appeared throughout the lineup, often delivered with a wink and a sharp edge. One float took aim at Fox News with a pointed “Hush Fox News” theme, while another, titled Pink Slip: Government Termination, skewered the revolving door of politics with biting humor.
Local politics were not spared. A Gone Girl–inspired float zeroed in on former New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, drawing laughs and knowing nods from a crowd well-versed in City Hall drama. The satire never felt mean-spirited, but it was unmistakably sharp—classic Muses commentary delivered with rhinestones and thick irony.
Float 12, Da Vatican Code, showcased the krewe’s ability to blend current events, global intrigue, and pop culture into a single, layered spectacle. Inspired by The Da Vinci Code, the float referenced the selection of Pope Leo XIV last year, playfully weaving in nods to his Creole heritage, Chicago roots, and background in Peru. The result was clever, dense with references, and exactly the kind of float that rewards spectators who pay close attention.
Health trends also found their way into the parade. Float 17, Dial M for Mounjaro, poked fun at the explosion of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, turning a national obsession into Carnival comedy. Meanwhile, Float 25, The EPS Files, tackled darker subject matter by referencing the release of investigatory records tied to Jeffrey Epstein, proving Muses’ willingness to confront uncomfortable topics head-on—even amid beads and boas.
Adding a nod to Mardi Gras history itself, an Arthur Hardy float rolled by, honoring the man whose work has chronicled Carnival for decades. It served as a reminder that while Muses thrives on modern commentary, it remains deeply rooted in tradition.
As the final floats passed and the last glittering shoes disappeared into the night, the Krewe of Muses left Uptown buzzing. The parade wasn’t just a spectacle—it was a statement. Muses tHERsday once again celebrated women’s voices, creativity, and courage, all while delivering one of the smartest, most joyful nights of the Carnival season.
In a city that knows how to blend beauty with bite, the Krewe of Muses continues to lead the way—one glittering shoe at a time.
See the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule Here.