Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale celebrates feminine expression  

By Melody Daniels 

 Femmes just wanna have fun! Xavier joined in with the ladies of Femme Fatale on Feb. 8, 2026, as they transformed the city’s streets into a celebration of joy. This year’s theme, “Femmes Just Wanna Have Fun,” came to life as Tahj Williams, the New Orleans artist who was the first person to handcraft a Superbowl logo, served as Grand Marshal of the parade.  

The first krewe established by African American women for women, the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale is inclusive of all racial backgrounds and uses its platform to promote social awareness in the community.  

“You don’t really get to see people, especially black people, come together like this. Where I am from, the city is really big, and it’s so spread out,” said Alisha Richardson, a retired special education teacher from Los Angeles, Calif.  

“I love to see all the Black people together. It’s Black History Month, and we’re representing all the women out there. I love seeing my sisters,” Richardson said.  

Marching bands from Southern University’s Human JukeBox, Xavier’s Golden Sound, and the George W. Carver High School marching band performed along the parade route. The procession began at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street, continuing along St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street, and finished on Tchoupitoulas Street.  

The krewe’s throws reflected the organization’s mission to support and empower women. Decorated in its signature colors, candy apple red, black, and white, throws ranged from necklaces, purses, and stuffed animals.  

“For one of the throws, I got a book,” said Elena Zhang from Philadelphia, Pa. “That was really nice because it advocates for educating children. I think it’s different, and it says a lot about the krewe’s values,” she said.  

Floats rolled by in vibrant, customized designs that brought the theme to life, with titles like “Femmes Love Shopping,” “Femmes Love Paint and Sip,” and “Femmes Love Spa Day,” displayed on the vehicles. Krewe riders wore colorful masks, wigs, hats, and glittery tops as they passed cheering crowds.  

Marching krewes including Heart Beat, NOLA Heat and the Alter Ego Steppers, performed throughout the route, adding to the parade’s high energy. The Femme Fatale Parade attracted many visitors outside of Louisiana, with some attending the parade to catch the Mardi Gras fun before the weekend was over.  

“I’ve only been here for two days, so I’m trying to experience as much as I can,” said Avril Wigeratne, an accountant visiting from Sri Lanka. “Being surrounded by such amazing, feminine energy is what makes it so great. You can feel the love out here,” she said.