On January 6, 2018, the usual Twelfth Night revelry will be followed by a truly special occasion when a historic Mardi Gras season is kicked off with tricentennial Lights in the Sky fireworks.

The Twelfth Night festivities begin at 7:00 p.m.  with the traditional streetcar ride carrying the Phunny Phorty Phellows. The krewe will make its usual trek from Carrollton Avenue down St. Charles Avenue, around Lee Circle and back. Today’s Phellows follow the tradition of the original krewe that began welcoming the Mardi Gras season in 1878. One of New Orleans’ newest Mardi Gras krewes parading on Twelfth Night is the Société Des Champs Elysée. It travels its route on the Rampart – St. Claude Avenue Streetcar.

At 9 p.m., it’s off to the mighty Mississippi where a marvelous fireworks display will appear like lights in the sky to celebrate 300 years of New Orleans history. “This year’s Mardi Gras season will be one of the best in history as we mark our city’s Tricentennial,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “I hope to see people come from near and far this year to partake in the festivities. Here in New Orleans, we know how to throw a party and our City’s 300th year will be celebration like no other.”

Twelfth Night also hosts a 6:00 pm parade in the French Quarter by the Krewe of Joan of Arc.

For more information on the Tricentennial and the year of events scheduled throughout 2018, visit 2018NOLA.com.