The Covington Police Department is pleased to announce route, parking, and safety information for the annual Carnival in Covington Mardi Gras Day celebration, starting with the Covington Lions Club parade, Mystic Krewe of Covington parade, and the Krewe of Bogue Falaya parade, scheduled to roll on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, starting at 9:15 AM.
The parade route will close to vehicular traffic at 9:00 AM. The City of Covington is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable Mardi Gras Day celebration for all attendees.
Parade Route:
Due to the combined length of the Carnival in Covington Mardi Gras Day parades, they will not loop back around through Downtown Covington for a second run. The parades will begin at the intersection of North Columbia Street and North Jefferson Avenue. The parade will follow the following route:
- South on North Columbia Street to East Boston Street.
- West on East Boston Street to South Jefferson Avenue.
- South on South Jefferson Avenue to East 15th Avenue.
- West on West 15th Avenue to South Tyler Street.
- North on South Tyler Street to West 23rd Avenue.
- East on West 23rd Avenue to North Jefferson Avenue.
- North on North Jefferson Avenue to North Columbia Street.
- The parade will end at the intersection of North Jefferson Avenue and West 26th Avenue.
Parking and Transportation:
Planning your parking in advance is crucial for a smooth Mardi Gras experience. Please note the following important parking and traffic regulations:
- No Driving During the Parade: Absolutely no driving is permitted on the parade route once it is closed to vehicular traffic. Please respect barricades and instructions from law enforcement.
- No Parking on the Route Before or After: Vehicles cannot park along the parade route earlier than 10:00 PM on Sunday, March 2nd (36 hours before the parade starts) and must be removed no later than 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 5th (24 hours after the parade ends). Vehicles parked before or after these times may be towed.
- Private Property Parking: If you plan to park on private property, you must have the property owner’s explicit permission. Vehicles parked without permission may be towed.
- Restricted Parking Areas: Street parking is not allowed on the following streets:
- North Columbia Street between East Boston Street and West 30th Avenue
- East Boston Street between Jefferson Avenue and North Florida Street
- North Madison Street between West 26th Avenue and North Columbia Street
- North and South Jackson Streets between West 17th Avenue and West 26th Avenue
- South Harrison Street between West 11th Avenue and West 17th Avenue
- North and South Taylor Street between West 11th Avenue and West 26th Avenue
Parade Safety:
The Carnival in Covington Mardi Gras day parades are a safe and family-friendly event. CPD works diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of all parade-goers. However, attendees are encouraged to take the following safety precautions:
- Supervise Children: Keep a close watch on children and ensure they know what to do if they become separated from their group. Show them landmarks near your area and designate a meeting spot in advance. Take a photograph of your children when you arrive at the parade.
- Stay Behind the Barricades: Remain behind designated barricades and respect the instructions of law enforcement and parade officials. Do not run into the street to retrieve throws.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Be mindful of your personal belongings and be aware of your surroundings. Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
- Stay Hydrated: Mardi Gras celebrations can be long and tiring. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if the weather is warm.
- Designated Driver: If consuming alcohol, please designate a driver or utilize a ride-sharing service. Do not drink and drive.
- Emergency Information: Familiarize yourself with the location of first aid stations and law enforcement personnel along the parade route.
- After the Parade: Do not drive on the parade route until law enforcement tells you it is safe to do so.
Carnival in Covington afterparty has been cancelled!
“This year’s Mardi Gras Day promises to be another fantastic celebration in Covington. Our officers will be out in force to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. We want everyone to create lasting memories, and that starts with prioritizing safety,” said Chief of Police Michael Ferrell. “Please be mindful of the parade route closures, respect the barricades, and look out for one another. Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
The Covington Police Department, Covington Fire Department, and partner first responder agencies will have a strong presence along the parade route to ensure public safety and assist with traffic management. We encourage attendees to arrive early and plan their parking in advance.