Kings Day, also referred to as the Epiphany, or 12th Night is the first day or the Carnival season. Traditionally, this is the first day which king cake bakeries sell their king cakes. Several Krewes and groups also have traditions of revealing their theme or royalty for the year to the public on this day.

The Phunny Phorty Phellows and Funky Uptown Krewe roll in streetcar parades along the St Charles streetcar line. Société Des Champs Elysée parades on the St. Claude street car route. Lastly, Jeanne D’Arc parades in the Fench Quarter, no as much as a Carnival parade, but in celebration of their Patron Saint, Joan of Arc, whose birthday also falls on January 6th.

The 12th night Revelers host an exclusive, masked tableau ball on this day.In other areas such as Southwest Lousiana, over 60 regional krewes gather at the Lake Charles Event Center for a joint pageantry showcase and royal farewell. In Shreveport, The Krewes of Centaur and Gemini host mass and evening celebrations.

Many traditional New Orleanians reverently will NOT eat King cake until this day, out of fear of “cursing” their parade day or Mardi Gras Day with inclement weather.