New Orleans City Council recognizes Zulu and Femme Fatale Mardi Gras royalty

The New Orleans City Council on Tuesday formally welcomed leaders and royalty from the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and the Mystic Crew of Femme Fatale, who presented gifts to council members and outlined plans for the 2026 carnival season.

Darren Meyer, director of public relations for the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, told the council the organization operates year-round from 732 North Broad and has “about 800 plus members,” and thanked the council for longstanding support. Oscar J. Rainey, speaking for Zulu, described the group’s century-plus history and said the parade “is more than a parade. It’s a culture. It’s a history. It’s a community.”

Representatives of the Mystic Crew of Femme Fatale said the group — founded in 2013 — will parade on Sunday, Feb. 8, under the theme “Femes Just Wanna Have Fun.” Kimberly Early, president of the crew, and Dr. Takisha Charles Davis, parade captain, described community work beyond Carnival. Dr. Davis said the crew will partner with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana and a local literacy center to distribute “over 3,000 books” to children during the parade.

Council members from across the chamber praised both organizations’ year-round volunteer work. Councilmember McCarran, in her first year on the council, said the crews are “our culture” and an “honor” to host; several members highlighted Zulu’s community aid programs and applauded Femme Fatale’s literacy focus.

The ceremonial segment included introductions of the 2026 Zulu characters and royalty and a group photograph at the council dais. Council staff said proclamations prepared for the queens would be distributed after the ceremony.

The council’s acknowledgments emphasized the cultural and economic importance of Carnival traditions to New Orleans and encouraged residents to attend safely and support the crews’ community programs.