Southern Decadence returned to New Orleans, celebrating over five decades of LGBTQ+ creativity and community spirit with thousands gathering to enjoy the festivities.
“This is always my favorite time of the year,” said Alexis Arnold, attendee.
While 2026 marked the 54th year, the event continues to emphasize its core message from when the parade first originated in the 1970s.
“It’s about being free and being yourself,” said Tony Leggio, a parade planner, “enjoying your creativity and having a good time and just letting loose.”
Leggio, served as the parade’s Grand Marshal in 2016, and said the Grand Marshals take on a hefty fundraising role to make the parade happen each year.
“We have to raise the funds in, like basically three months,” Leggio said, “The six Grand Marshals this year worked very hard and tirelessly to put this on, so hats off to them. They were wonderful.”
This year’s Grand Marshals are Rachel Thompson, Romy Thompson, Bobby Wagstaff, Sam Smith, Milan Nicole Sherry and Sarah Mankowitz. All six have personal ties to New Orleans.
Despite the heat, the crowd of thousands included both new faces and returning attendees.
“Everybody’s here just having fun and welcoming everybody and sharing space on the street, which is always nice because it’s always hard to find a spot,” said Kim Irons, attendee, “Everybody’s here just to embrace each other and embrace the culture of New Orleans.”
This year’s theme was Phoenix Rising: Together We Rise.
Over 35 fundraisers banded together to raise money for the parade. The remaining funds will be donated to local charities.
READ MORE:Southern Decadence returns to the French Quarter for the 54th year
