City Council honors Zulu and Femme Fatale, outlines parade safety reminders

The New Orleans City Council ceremonially recognized representatives and royalty from the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club and the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, with club leaders thanking the council for support and previewing upcoming parade and community outreach events.

Darren Meyer, director of public relations for the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, noted Zulu’s community work year‑round and invited council members to visit the club at 732 North Broad. Oscar J. Rainey, Zulu’s president, said the organization — which he said has more than 800 members — relies on city support to sustain its programming and civic outreach. “Your support helps ensure that Mardi Gras remains a powerful economic engine,” Dr. Ron Tassin, introduced as Zulu’s king‑elect, told the council.

Representatives of the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, including founder Dr. Guendal Reining and president Kimberly Early, described their Feb. 8 parade and community efforts. Parade captain Dr. Takisha Charles Davis said the krewe will distribute more than 3,000 books from floats through a partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana and a local literacy center.

Separately, councilmembers moved and approved motion m‑26‑50, setting 2026 parade positions and start times under City Code §34‑6 and spelling out public‑safety rules. Council President Morrell described route changes and said crews must not throw past Chapatulas (the parade end point) and that the city will not clean up beyond that point. The council emphasized enforcement of rules banning metallic confetti, confetti guns, tents, generators and other hazards; violators could face penalties.

The council also invited the queens and characters to receive proclamations and take photographs with members before returning to regular business.