Mardi Gras in New Roads: A Celebration of History, Service, and Community

Mardi Gras in New Roads is a tradition shaped by generations of volunteers, civic organizations, and families who have worked together to preserve Carnival culture in Pointe Coupee Parish. Each parade reflects a different chapter of the city’s history, yet all are united by community involvement and pride. From one of Louisiana’s oldest parades to a service-driven civic tradition and a new nighttime celebration, Mardi Gras in New Roads continues to honor its past while embracing the future.

The Community Center of Pointe Coupee Parade: A Century of Carnival History

The Community Center of Pointe Coupee Parade is the foundation of Mardi Gras tradition in New Roads and one of the oldest continuously running Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana. Established in the early 1920s, the parade began as a modest procession organized by local citizens and musicians. Over time, it grew into a major Carnival event that draws spectators and participants from across the region.

The parade has remained deeply rooted in local participation throughout its history. Schools, churches, civic organizations, dance teams, and marching bands are central to the celebration. Many families have participated for generations, whether by riding on floats, performing along the route, or volunteering behind the scenes.

The Community Center of Pointe Coupee serves as the organizational anchor of the parade, coordinating volunteers, maintaining traditions, and preserving the cultural legacy of Mardi Gras in New Roads. Its continued success is a testament to collaboration, continuity, and community pride.

The New Roads Lions Club Parade: From Mothers’ Culture Club to a Tradition of Service

The New Roads Lions Club Parade has its roots in an earlier community tradition. Before the Lions Club assumed responsibility for the parade, the Mothers’ Culture Club hosted a Mardi Gras parade in New Roads that helped lay the groundwork for what would become the Lions Club Parade. Their efforts established a family-friendly, community-centered celebration that emphasized local participation and civic pride.

As the Lions Club took on the role of organizer, the parade evolved while retaining its original spirit. For decades, the Lions Club has coordinated the parade as part of its broader mission of service to the community. Organized entirely by volunteers, the parade features decorated floats, marching groups, and local organizations that reflect the character of New Roads. As part of its continued commitment to youth and education, the New Roads Lions Club donates funds to local schools that participate in the parade through float building and related activities.

A Lions Club King and a community-selected Queen are traditionally named each year, reinforcing themes of leadership, service, and youth involvement. Fundraising and parade-related efforts support charitable initiatives within Pointe Coupee Parish, making the parade both a celebration and a meaningful act of community service. For many families, the Lions Club Parade is a cherished tradition passed down from generation to generation.

Krewe of Chemin Neuf: A New Nighttime Tradition

The Krewe of Chemin Neuf represents the newest chapter in Mardi Gras in New Roads as the city’s first nighttime parade. Created to complement the long-standing daytime parades, the krewe brings illuminated floats, live music, and evening festivities to Carnival season.

Although the krewe is new, its foundation is firmly rooted in community involvement. Volunteers, artists, musicians, and local organizations work together to design floats, coordinate events, and ensure a safe and welcoming experience for families. In addition to the parade, the Krewe of Chemin Neuf supports cultural programming and activities that celebrate local heritage and creativity.

By introducing a nighttime parade, the Krewe of Chemin Neuf has expanded opportunities for participation while honoring the traditions that define Mardi Gras in New Roads.

A Shared Commitment to Community

Each of these parades tells a unique story, yet all share a common purpose. They are sustained by volunteers, supported by local businesses, and embraced by generations of families. Together, they reflect the values that make Mardi Gras in New Roads special: service, history, creativity, and community connection.

From the historic Community Center of Pointe Coupee Parade, to the service-driven Lions Club Parade, to the new Krewe of Chemin Neuf, Mardi Gras in New Roads remains a celebration shaped by the people who call Pointe Coupee Parish home.

Parade Dates and Times:

Krewe of Chemin Neuf Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Community Center of Pointe Coupee Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

New Roads Lions Club Parade Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.