Professor Carl Nivale's Avatar

Professor Carl Nivale

@profcarlnivale.bsky.social

Former Carnival expert, WWL-TV, 30 years. Star of "The Professor Carl Nivale Show featuring Grand Marshal Marty Graw" Official Culture Bearer for the City of New Orleans. Follow on Facebook & YouTube @profcarlnivale, Instagram & TikTok @profcarlnivale1996

326 Followers  |  127 Following  |  393 Posts  |  Joined: 15.11.2024
Posts Following

Posts by Professor Carl Nivale (@profcarlnivale.bsky.social)

Sadly, there are dozens of one-off krewes and Carnival-centric programs that never progressed past the first year.

05.03.2026 16:15 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
A Short History of All-Female Krewes! #ourcarnivalheritage #mardigras #carnivalpride
YouTube video by Carl Nivale A Short History of All-Female Krewes! #ourcarnivalheritage #mardigras #carnivalpride

A short history of the all-female krewes of New Orleans!

Follow me on Facebook, YouTube & X @profcarlnivale, and on Instagram and TikTok @profcarlnivale1996
#OurCarnivalHeritage

youtube.com/shorts/dD0nk...

05.03.2026 16:14 — 👍 0    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

They were planned and issued before the police strike and subsequent cancellation of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. They were meant to be an annual collectors item, but the police strike caused the cessation of the program.

05.03.2026 16:12 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
The Currency of Carnival #ourcarnivalheritage #mardigras #carnivalpride #carnival #mardigras
YouTube video by Carl Nivale The Currency of Carnival #ourcarnivalheritage #mardigras #carnivalpride #carnival #mardigras

The Currency of Carnival!

Remember to Like & Share!
Follow me on Facebook, YouTube & Bluesky @profcarlnivale
and on Instagram & TikTok @profcarlnivale1996
#OurCarnivalHeritage

02.03.2026 18:07 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Image of a male hand, holding a limited edition bronze coin and a orange card. The card reads, "First official Mardi Gras Bourbon Street Bronze Commemorative Coin. Numbered Limited Edition of 2,500. The card is signed by Mayor Dutch Morial. The bronze coin depicts a Carnival reveler, leaning against one of the iconic street lamps in the French Quarter, holding up a bottle in cheer. At the top of the coin in cursive lettering is the phrase "Birthplace of Jazz," and at the bottom in large stylized lettering is the phrase "Mardi Gras '79." To the right of the street lamp, it reads "Bourbon Street."

Image of a male hand, holding a limited edition bronze coin and a orange card. The card reads, "First official Mardi Gras Bourbon Street Bronze Commemorative Coin. Numbered Limited Edition of 2,500. The card is signed by Mayor Dutch Morial. The bronze coin depicts a Carnival reveler, leaning against one of the iconic street lamps in the French Quarter, holding up a bottle in cheer. At the top of the coin in cursive lettering is the phrase "Birthplace of Jazz," and at the bottom in large stylized lettering is the phrase "Mardi Gras '79." To the right of the street lamp, it reads "Bourbon Street."

In 1979, New Orleans issued a special bronze commemorative coin, limited to 2,500 pressings! While the coins themselves can still be found on various sites, the complete set with the original card, seen here, are quite rare! Notice the card is signed by then-Mayor Dutch Morial!
#ourcarnivalheritage

02.03.2026 17:12 — 👍 5    🔁 3    💬 1    📌 0
Prof. Carl's Parade Preview Feb 28 #ourcarnivalheritage
YouTube video by Carl Nivale Prof. Carl's Parade Preview Feb 28 #ourcarnivalheritage

Today's parade in Slidell: The Krewe of Bilge boat parade!
(rescheduled to today after bad weather during Carnival)

Follow me on FB & YouTube @profcarlnivale
On Instagram & TikTok @profcarlnivale1996

28.02.2026 14:49 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Preview
Lawmaker targets Mardi Gras safety with fines, jail for reckless, aggressive float throwing The bill, HB 397, was introduced by Rep. Sylvia Taylor and would punish people who throw objects from parade floats in a way that could hurt someone.

JUST IN! Lawmakers target Carnival parade safety with fines & jail time for reckless, aggresaive float throwing.
#OurCarnivalHeritage #mardigras #nolacarnival #parade

26.02.2026 17:05 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Preview
Instagram Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.

www.instagram.com/reel/DVMgrmR...

25.02.2026 21:44 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Tallow. It's not just for candles anymore!

25.02.2026 20:00 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Blind Item: Word on the route is that a City Councilperson is planning to introduce new masking laws for float riders in Orleans Parish after the events with Carrollton, Thoth, & Zulu this season. Stay tuned for updates!
#OurCarnivalHeritage

25.02.2026 19:59 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Post image

Dr. Christian Milten-Berger was a surgeon attached to Major Plauche’s band of Creoles during the Battle of New Orleans. In November of 1838, the widow Miltenberger contracted with Rice & Tibbits to construct three sturdy red-brick buildings on the ... (continued)

#nolasky #nola #neworleans #history

25.02.2026 13:33 — 👍 8    🔁 3    💬 1    📌 0
Preview
The Carnival Wrap-Up W/ Fredo Podcast Episode · HWIGWT Podcast · February 24 · 1h 32m

New podcast (eventually I’ll get the one with @profcarlnivale.bsky.social up as well) @nolafredo.bsky.social and I wrap up Carnival 2026 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...

24.02.2026 16:56 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
Professor Carl Nivale's Creator Profile

My new Tik Tok account is up and running (it's become essential for social media growth, I've come to understand.)
Check me out @profcarlnivale1996, just like the Instagram account!

www.tiktok.com/@profcarlniv...

24.02.2026 15:52 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Prof. Carl's Mardi Paws Preview, Feb. 22! #carnivalpride #ourcarnivalheritage #mardipaws
YouTube video by Carl Nivale Prof. Carl's Mardi Paws Preview, Feb. 22! #carnivalpride #ourcarnivalheritage #mardipaws

Come and join @gmmartygraw.bsky.social and I at today's Mardi Paws Parade in Covington, LA! Today's parade raises funds for animal welfare orgs in St. Tammany Parish!

Like & Share! Follow me on FB & YouTube @profcarlnivale, and on Instagram @profcarlnivale1996!

22.02.2026 14:30 — 👍 3    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 0

Because of all the red in the blue dyes. Red dyes fade much faster than other colors in the sun.

19.02.2026 19:50 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Image of a text post on Facebook by user Stephen LaDow. It reads, in part: To rewind a little, after the New Year's terrorist attack in the French Quarter, we had a very much appreciated appearance of the National Guard patrolling the Quarter . It was only minorly disconcerting to see soldiers with guns on the streets, mostly because its an out of context thing in the midst of this joyful celebration- but the men and women deployed there all seemed very cool and chill, and I did indeed feel safer. Cut to this year and I heard they would be back. I didn't have a problem with it- I remembered the year before and knew our soldiers were there for our protection. But this year the vibe seemed different. Especially in the 800 block of Bourbon between the Pub and Lafittes. The barricades on the cross streets (Dumaine) narrowed the passage to one sidewalk both ways, with the soldiers aggressively barking at people to line up and then going through bags and purses and belongings. It was a checkpoint evidently, and I am curious as to if this happened on every Bourbon street crossing, or just in the block with the gay bars? Now I am sure it had to be frustrating to the soldiers trying to coral thousands of drunks passing through those checkpoints, but their aggressive manner was so antithetical to the joyous vibe of Mardi Gras that it stuck in my craw. I didn't want to pass through it more than once. We also experienced the same pushy aggressive attitude lining up for The ferry, barkng orders at us. It all seemed unnecessary and out of character for the event and who we are. There were some pleasant guards as well, and I was grateful for their presence. But the search and seizure checkpoint with their aggressive interactions made me feel angry. Because its that attitude mixed with the presence of troops in American cities that they're trying to normalize. And that's not my America.

Image of a text post on Facebook by user Stephen LaDow. It reads, in part: To rewind a little, after the New Year's terrorist attack in the French Quarter, we had a very much appreciated appearance of the National Guard patrolling the Quarter . It was only minorly disconcerting to see soldiers with guns on the streets, mostly because its an out of context thing in the midst of this joyful celebration- but the men and women deployed there all seemed very cool and chill, and I did indeed feel safer. Cut to this year and I heard they would be back. I didn't have a problem with it- I remembered the year before and knew our soldiers were there for our protection. But this year the vibe seemed different. Especially in the 800 block of Bourbon between the Pub and Lafittes. The barricades on the cross streets (Dumaine) narrowed the passage to one sidewalk both ways, with the soldiers aggressively barking at people to line up and then going through bags and purses and belongings. It was a checkpoint evidently, and I am curious as to if this happened on every Bourbon street crossing, or just in the block with the gay bars? Now I am sure it had to be frustrating to the soldiers trying to coral thousands of drunks passing through those checkpoints, but their aggressive manner was so antithetical to the joyous vibe of Mardi Gras that it stuck in my craw. I didn't want to pass through it more than once. We also experienced the same pushy aggressive attitude lining up for The ferry, barkng orders at us. It all seemed unnecessary and out of character for the event and who we are. There were some pleasant guards as well, and I was grateful for their presence. But the search and seizure checkpoint with their aggressive interactions made me feel angry. Because its that attitude mixed with the presence of troops in American cities that they're trying to normalize. And that's not my America.

Reveleers, did anyone else experience what this FB user did on rue Bourbon on Mardi Gras? Were these checkpoints at every intersection on Bourbon, or just around the gay bars? Please let me know your experiences, and thanks!

19.02.2026 19:50 — 👍 5    🔁 3    💬 1    📌 0

And I do love the idea of a black SUV suddenly pulling up, and krewe members shoving someone inside, saying "you're part of the ball, now!" 😅

19.02.2026 18:24 — 👍 4    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

In theory, they are supposed to be the younger members of the Krewe for the reasons previously stated. In practice, there is a history of members paying others to take over the job in their stead. Once you're inside the heads, no one really knows who you are.
#OurCarnivalHeritage

19.02.2026 18:23 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Little Known Fact: You can tell how long a person has lived in a location by how many beads they have on their fences. The sun damage gives it away to within a year!
#neworleansfacts #OurCarnivalHeritage

19.02.2026 18:20 — 👍 5    🔁 2    💬 2    📌 0

Just tell me in which box we're leaving the knife!

19.02.2026 18:19 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

I remember you both, and I love Portland! I'll message you.

19.02.2026 18:15 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Image of Professor Carl Nivale, on the left, and Grand Marshal Marty Graw, on Royal Street in New Orleans' French Quarter on Mardi Gras morning. It is a head & shoulders shot. The Professor is dressed in his traditional mortarboard had, bordered by braided gold and iridescent sequined trims. His eyes are made up with his trademark long black extended eyeliner and three half moons of purple eyebrows, yellow, and green makeup. His goatee and beard are deeply colored and glittered; his goatee and moustache a vibrant green, and a deep purple beard. He is wearing his green ascot with the bejewelled fleur de LIS at the knot, and green lame embroidered draping beneath his traditional fleur de lys necklace. The stole, over his black collegiate robe, is an intricately embroidered purple & gold material in a repeating floral pattern dotted with glittered green poms and enamel pins. The stole is trimmed in a ruched green organza edged in gold thread, with runs along the entirety of the stole. Grand Marshal Marty Graw is in his traditional black top hat, with a gold bejeweled crown of fleur de lys'. He is wearing his traditional bejeweled dark sunglasses, trimmed in white stones. His brows are green, and his glittered beard is sectioned shades of purple, gold and green. His jacket is a shifting gold and green sequined material, with a black satin lapel, festooned with various pins. Beneath the jacket, he is wearing a purple lame vest with a Nehru collar bordered in a thin gold trim. The vest also sports large gold buttons. Over the vest he is wearing a lavish crystal drops necklace framed in silver. On his left shoulder is a fan of luxe ribbons in the seasons colors, accented with an enameled crown pin. On the left side of his top hat, a similar fan in a spray configuration.

Image of Professor Carl Nivale, on the left, and Grand Marshal Marty Graw, on Royal Street in New Orleans' French Quarter on Mardi Gras morning. It is a head & shoulders shot. The Professor is dressed in his traditional mortarboard had, bordered by braided gold and iridescent sequined trims. His eyes are made up with his trademark long black extended eyeliner and three half moons of purple eyebrows, yellow, and green makeup. His goatee and beard are deeply colored and glittered; his goatee and moustache a vibrant green, and a deep purple beard. He is wearing his green ascot with the bejewelled fleur de LIS at the knot, and green lame embroidered draping beneath his traditional fleur de lys necklace. The stole, over his black collegiate robe, is an intricately embroidered purple & gold material in a repeating floral pattern dotted with glittered green poms and enamel pins. The stole is trimmed in a ruched green organza edged in gold thread, with runs along the entirety of the stole. Grand Marshal Marty Graw is in his traditional black top hat, with a gold bejeweled crown of fleur de lys'. He is wearing his traditional bejeweled dark sunglasses, trimmed in white stones. His brows are green, and his glittered beard is sectioned shades of purple, gold and green. His jacket is a shifting gold and green sequined material, with a black satin lapel, festooned with various pins. Beneath the jacket, he is wearing a purple lame vest with a Nehru collar bordered in a thin gold trim. The vest also sports large gold buttons. Over the vest he is wearing a lavish crystal drops necklace framed in silver. On his left shoulder is a fan of luxe ribbons in the seasons colors, accented with an enameled crown pin. On the left side of his top hat, a similar fan in a spray configuration.

Professor Carl Nivale and a reveler on rue Royal. They look as if they are singing to one another. The reveler is dressed in a whimsical rainbow inspired costume, with a sequined exaggerated top hat, a deep pink jacket with light blue trims and epaulets, a purple sequined shoulder bag, and brightly colored floral print trousers trimmed with small purple poms along the outside seams. The reveler is wearing a pink wig and a blue mask that matches the jacket. She is also wearing lime fingerless gloves to complete the look.

Professor Carl Nivale and a reveler on rue Royal. They look as if they are singing to one another. The reveler is dressed in a whimsical rainbow inspired costume, with a sequined exaggerated top hat, a deep pink jacket with light blue trims and epaulets, a purple sequined shoulder bag, and brightly colored floral print trousers trimmed with small purple poms along the outside seams. The reveler is wearing a pink wig and a blue mask that matches the jacket. She is also wearing lime fingerless gloves to complete the look.

Revelers dressed as Mrs. Roper, the iconic TV character from the 1970s TV shows "Three's Company" and "The Ropers." Imitating her look, both revelers are dressed in loose fitting caftans; on the left, a white caftan with a large cranberry zebra print. Around the shoulders a light blue fur-trimmed dark teal wrap. Below the waist, what appears to be a tie-dyed dinosaur walking through a tie-dyed landscape. The reveler on the left also wears a blue knit cap with cat ears and a Carnival decoration, and gold lace-up ankle boots. The reveler on the right wears a fitted caftan with a watercolored pattern of several colors. She is wearing a pastel pink shoulder length curly wig, topped with a plastic flamingo toy and a few feathers. She is wearing sandals on her feet. Taken on rue Royal.

Revelers dressed as Mrs. Roper, the iconic TV character from the 1970s TV shows "Three's Company" and "The Ropers." Imitating her look, both revelers are dressed in loose fitting caftans; on the left, a white caftan with a large cranberry zebra print. Around the shoulders a light blue fur-trimmed dark teal wrap. Below the waist, what appears to be a tie-dyed dinosaur walking through a tie-dyed landscape. The reveler on the left also wears a blue knit cap with cat ears and a Carnival decoration, and gold lace-up ankle boots. The reveler on the right wears a fitted caftan with a watercolored pattern of several colors. She is wearing a pastel pink shoulder length curly wig, topped with a plastic flamingo toy and a few feathers. She is wearing sandals on her feet. Taken on rue Royal.

Dios de Las Muerte. Reveler dressed as the Day of the Dead; Her headpiece is a mass of pink, red, and yellow flowers, highlighted by a large sunflower in the center. Her makeup portrays a traditional sugar skull, done in white, black and red makeup. She is bare shouldered, with a large silver medallion necklace covering most of her decolletage. Her dress is a halter top, bordered in red satin. The dress material is printed rows of different sugar skulls, cinched with a yellow satin tie belt. She carries a silver iridescent covered cup in her left hand, and a small white shopping bag in her right.

Dios de Las Muerte. Reveler dressed as the Day of the Dead; Her headpiece is a mass of pink, red, and yellow flowers, highlighted by a large sunflower in the center. Her makeup portrays a traditional sugar skull, done in white, black and red makeup. She is bare shouldered, with a large silver medallion necklace covering most of her decolletage. Her dress is a halter top, bordered in red satin. The dress material is printed rows of different sugar skulls, cinched with a yellow satin tie belt. She carries a silver iridescent covered cup in her left hand, and a small white shopping bag in her right.

A few images from #MardiGras2026 in the French Quarter!
#OurCarnivalHeritage

19.02.2026 18:13 — 👍 8    🔁 4    💬 0    📌 0

on Friday you can hear my conversation with @profcarlnivale.bsky.social about the season that was Carnival 2026. Available where you get your podcasts.

18.02.2026 22:26 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

For those of you counting...we are exactly 356 days away from #MardiGras2027!

18.02.2026 17:13 — 👍 10    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

Good morning New Orleans.
Today is Ash Wednesday, also known as the Worst Wednesday of the Year in New Orleans. In the Catholic church, it is the beginning of the Lenten season of austerity and contemplation before Easter. For New Orleanians, it's the start of Fish Fridays at every restaurant.

18.02.2026 15:41 — 👍 9    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 1

Thank you, Merlins! I hope your celebrations were fun and festive.

18.02.2026 14:51 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

How delightfully put!

18.02.2026 14:50 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Professor Carl's Parade Preview, Lundi Gras #carnival2026 #ourcarnivalheritage #lundigras2026
YouTube video by Carl Nivale Professor Carl's Parade Preview, Lundi Gras #carnival2026 #ourcarnivalheritage #lundigras2026

Happy Mardi Gras, @bsky.app! Here's your parade preview for today in Orleans & Jefferson Parishes!
Watch my FB page (@profcarlnivale) for live streams.
Follow me on FB & YT @profcarlnivale, and on Instagram @profcarlnivale1996.
#OurCarnivalHeritage #MardiGras2026 #Carnival2026
HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!!!

17.02.2026 12:54 — 👍 7    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
Professor Carl's Parade Preview, Lundi Gras #carnival2026 #ourcarnivalheritage #lundigras2026
YouTube video by Carl Nivale Professor Carl's Parade Preview, Lundi Gras #carnival2026 #ourcarnivalheritage #lundigras2026

Your parade preview for #LundiGras2026!
#Carnival2026 #OurCarnivalHeritage

Follow me on Facebook & YouTube @profcarlnivale, and on Instagram @profcarlnivale1996

16.02.2026 18:09 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

The definition of a superkrewe has changed over the last 30 years. These days, the term seems to refer more to the size/spectacular nature of the floats than the number of riders. The moniker does carry an expectation level on throws, but these days throws are a lot more expensive.

16.02.2026 01:47 — 👍 4    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0