The Carnival season traditionally starts on Kings Day, Jan. 6, said to be the moment in the bible when the three kings reached the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. But in 2026, the parading season in New Orleans may start a bit early.

The New Orleans Police Department on Friday issued a permit for a new parade that will roll through the French Quarter and Central Business District on Jan. 5. According to NOPD public information officer Aaron Looney, the Mystic Kings Krewe has gotten the green light to present the parade, pending the payment of fees due one week before the date of the parade.

On Monday, parade founder Cecil Roebuck said that he is prepared to pay the required amounts: $16,000 for the parade permit, $12,000 for cleanup, and $5000 for insurance by the prescribed time. He said that

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