Red Cross Mardi Gras Support

red cross volunteers pushing carts in the street at a mardi gras parade.

Red Cross Supports Mardi Gras 2026

Serving the first responders and essential workers who keep Mardi Gras safe.

The American Red Cross of Louisiana supported Mardi Gras 2026 with two major initiatives: fueling first responders and behind-the-scenes teams with nourishment and gratitude, and staffing First Aid Stations with trained volunteers for the 10 biggest days of Carnival in New Orleans.

Our mission: to relieve the stress put on our first responders during this busy time of year.

Red Cross on the Route: Key Achievements

First Responders Support:

2,500 sandwiches, 1,000 Hubig’s pies and 3,000 snacks served
6,000 bottles of water, Gatorade and juice distributed with a smile
95+ volunteers over 10 days walking between parades to provide meals and refreshments

First Aid Stations:

35+ trained volunteers helped EMS partners provide care for 10 days of parades
2,500+ individuals assisted with minor medical needs

Community Impact:

1,600+ hours of volunteer service
Supported 25+ police and military agencies, city services, and support organizations

Smiling police officer hands packaged snacks to a man in a red vest at an outdoor event, with onlookers and tents in the background. Festive and friendly atmosphere.

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Group of smiling Red Cross volunteers in red vests stand in front of an American Red Cross van.

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A colorful parade float adorned with lights passes by. A person in a Red Cross vest waves, while a vibrant tractor leads the procession.

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Three people stand in front of a red Budweiser Clydesdales truck. One holds a box.

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Group of uniformed individuals and volunteers pose indoors with donated goods. Brick wall background features police-themed mural, two flags.

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A colorful group of people in elaborate, feathered costumes gather for Mardi Gras. The mood is festive, with palm trees in the background.

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A Red Cross worker in a "Disaster Relief" vest talks to a New Orleans EMS staffer at a nighttime street event, with a crowd in the background.

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A group of people poses together indoors. Some are in military camouflage, while others wear Red Cross shirts. They appear relaxed and united. There is a clock on the wall and some computer equipment.

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Partnerships & Community Impact

Through our work caring for community responders and behind-the-scenes workers, we built trust, visibility and partnership while serving the following organizations:

Law Enforcement & Military: NOPD Motorcycle Division, NOPD Mounted Patrol HQ, NOPD Recruits and Police Academy, NOPD Headquarters Staff, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana National Guard HQ at the Cabildo, and the U.S. Marine Band

Emergency & City Services: Entergy Crews, Emergency Operation Center (EOC), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Emergency Communication District, New Orleans Fire Department, and the New Orleans Sanitation Department

City Government: New Orleans Mayor's Office Staff and Gallier Hall Carnival Staff

Cultural & Support Organizations: Zulu Organization, Rex Organization, Float Tractor Drivers, Anheuser Busch Clydesdales team members.

A group of people in safety vests and Red Cross uniforms smiling and holding snacks, standing on a city street with a cart of supplies.

A police officer and a Red Cross worker engage in a serious conversation by a parked vehicle. A woman with bright hair sits inside, adding a festive contrast.

Thank You

The success of the Mardi Gras 2026 Initiative would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of our local board members, community partners, and donors. Special thanks to our 2026 Mardi Gras Partners:

Sodexo

Hubig's Pies

Hufft Marchand Hospitality

General Parade Safety Tips

Share these parade safety tips with your family and friends who are attending the parades as spectators, and as always, be sure to download the American Red Cross app for general safety tips.

Additional safety tips and reminders on how to celebrate safely from our partners at NOLA Ready can be found here.

Get Involved

Become a volunteer

and join us next year along the route!

Donate

A gift to Your Local Red Cross supports Red Cross programs and services in your community. Your Red Cross region is on the ground every day of the year, working to make local communities more resilient and providing support to families in need.

A Look Back at Mardi Gras 2025