The Knights of Sparta originated as a bal masque organization in 1951, staging elaborate tableaus for many years at the Municipal Auditorium. In 1981, the Knights began parading in Orleans Parish. The first several parades rolled as Mecca/Sparta, after which the parade, as well as the bal masque, took on the name of The Knights of Sparta.

The Knights are still known for their elaborate bal masque tableaus, now staged at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, and for their traditional, yet innovative, street parade on the first Saturday of the Carnival parade season.

A spectacular signature float, a mule-drawn king’s float, traditional flambeau, and mounted officers are just a few of the wonderful features of the Knights of Sparta street parade each year.