St. John Fools of Misrule
Canceled in 2021
Walking Parade
The Fools and Jewels of this krewe march through historic St. John District of old Covington (1813) on Saturday closest to Twelfth Night (Jan. 6), also known as The Epiphany or King's Day. The organization's rituals are derived from an ancient English men's group that clamored along the evening streets creating unruliness with cowbells and whips while delivering jeers and spankings to those caught on the street unaware. The Fools of Misrule integrated into its name homage to the streets where it conducts its bawdy procession. Led by a “Lord of Misrule,” flambeaux and a brass band starting at Seiler Bar (434 N. Columbia Street), revelers follow a route along Lockwood St. west to the Covington Trailhead, south on New Hampshire St. to Boston, north along Columbia St. to end back at Seiler, stopping at watering holes and restaurants along the way. Their slogan: Vivere Vitam Omnino! – Live Life Completely!
Krewe of Olympia
Canceled in 2021
Floats, Trucks and Horse Parade
Founded in 1965, this 300+-member Krewe is the oldest in St. Tammany. Keeping the identity of King Zeus a secret, members ride on floats, trucks, and horses interspersed with marching bands from across the Northshore. Features dozens of floats with lighted throws, the marching bands, and special appearances. Starts in front of St. Tammany Parish Justice Center on Columbia St. and follows a route along Hwy 21/Boston St. to Jefferson, 15th*, Tyler, and W. 23rd Ave., then turns and comes back through downtown again.
MARDI GRAS DAY
Canceled in 2021
Floats, Trucks, Horses & Walking Parade + After-Party
The City of Covington, Covington Lions Club and community volunteers began Carnival in Covington in 2019, aiming to build on the Krewe of Lions and Mystic Krewe of Covington parades on Mardi Gras Day, with a community parade coordinated by the City. The parades feature Grand Marshals and local celebrities, as well as marching groups, dance teams, musicians, antique cars, motorcycle clubs, horses and traditional floats with loads of fun throws.
Parades begin mid-morning, rolling one immediately after the other, and a free, all-ages party picks up at the Covington Trailhead until mid-afternoon. Families enjoy live music, concessions kids' activities and a costume contest with prizes donated by local businesses.
Krewe of Covington Lions Club
Founded in 1959, the Krewe of Covington Lions Club supports the cost of exams and eyeglasses for low-income individuals.
Mystic Krewe of Covington
The Mystic Krewe of Covington was organized in 1951 as the Krewe of KaaCee after the initials of the Knights of Columbus (KC), the krewe's founding group. This organization is one of the oldest krewes rolling in St. Tammany Parish.
City of Covington
The City of Covington established "Carnival in Covington" to make the friendly, west St. Tammany town the ideal place for families and friends to go for Mardi Gras fun without an additional million or so party-goers, as with New Orleans on Fat Tuesday. Lawn chairs, strollers and ladders welcome! Parking is free throughout the town.
Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws
No Community Parade in 2021
The Super Krewe for K9s won't hold its traditional walking parade in 2021, but from January 23rd to February 20th, will celebrate with season with Mutty Gras -- costume and social media contests, a selfie contest celebrating K9 Carnival during Covid, the Krewe of Dog House Floats, a doggie poo-throw decorating contest and more. Proceeds from the Mardi Paws parade benefit the Ian Somerhalder Foundation's emergency medical grant program and Scott’s Wish, which provides aid for patients with leukemia and life-threatening illnesses.
