Mardi Gras festivities expand far past Louisiana, and one of the most lavish Carnival balls is quickly approaching in the nation’s capital.
For more than 75 years, lawmakers, business leaders and local officials have gathered in Washington, D.C. for a Mardi Gras celebration that combines revelry with political networking.
Dozens of events will take place over several days, starting Jan. 27 and culminating with a ball on Jan. 31 at the Washington Hilton, which dubs its bar the 65th parish.
Here’s everything to know about the 77th Washington Mardi Gras.
Who’s on the 2026 court?
Lake Charles businessman W. Gray Stream will serve as king for the 2026 ball.
Stream is president of the Stream Cos. and founded Gulf Coast Sequestration in 2018 to develop a carbon capture and sequestration hub in Calcasieu Parish. He was also appointed by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the chairman of the Louisiana Economic Development Partnership.
Sarah Heebe, a sophomore at Yale University and New Orleans native, will serve as queen of the celebration.
Heebe, a graduate of Metairie Park Country Day School, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and serves on the executive board of the Yale Student Energy Association
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Metairie, is this year’s event chairman.
The 2026 royal court will be presented on Jan. 27 at an afternoon luncheon.
How did Washington Mardi Gras start?
Washington Mardi Gras began in the 1940s as a party for homesick congressional staffers from Louisiana. It has since blossomed into a multi-day event that culminates with a costume ball and parade.
The event is hosted by the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians and paid for through fees, tickets sales and dues.
A new theme is announced each year, accompanied by a poster designed by a Louisiana artist. This year’s theme will be “Liberty & Lagniappe.” Candice Alexander, a Lake Charles artist, designed this year’s poster that features an alligator depicting George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River.
Who attends?
These days, D.C.’s Mardi Gras has extended well beyond its lavish parties, expanding into a premier spot for business networking that attracts politicians, business leaders and even Louisiana festival queens.
Over the five days, businesses, nonprofits, chambers and more pay to have hospitality suites at the Washington Hilton and other nearby hotels, attracting politicos and entrepreneurs eager to pitch themselves and their industries.
This year, 24 Louisiana festivals will send their queens to Washington D.C. Their job will be to represent the industry tied to their respective festivals.
Staff writers Rich Collins, Mark Ballard and Lauren Cheramie contributed to this report.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
