Shaq Leads Louisiana’s Mardi Gras as King Bacchus

After disappointing Shreveport and canceling his DJ Diesel show at the Shreveport Municipal on Saturday night, he still has our hearts in Louisiana. Shaquille O’Neal has taken over Louisianan TikTok, and he is all over Facebook and Instagram because he has become the face of Mardi Gras for 2025. All of a sudden, you see people from all over America sharing videos of Mardi Gras celebrations, and oh yeah, Shaq is riding past on a float.

Why Was Shaq Dressed Up Like Royalty in Louisiana?

He was royalty, for the day, of course. Not only did Shaq show up looking royal in New Orleans on Sunday, March 2nd, but he also took all the Mardi Gras attention as he reigned over Bacchus for the 2025 Carnival season. This year's theme is “Louisiana Fairs and Festivals.” Shaq claimed it was an honor to be able to be part of the celebration and told WWLTV.com that he loves learning all the traditions.

Shaq really leaned into the Mardi Gras celebrations because his family has roots in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. Shaq told 4WWL that he would have some family members spread out throughout the parade route.

Several New Orleans Revelers Were Shocked When They Saw Shaq on a Float

Did you know that over 50 previous Bacchus monarchs have used the same throne to ride down St. Charles Avenue? Why did this same float look a tad different? Well, when your Bacchus is 7-foot-1 and 325 pounds, the krewe has to jump in to make some serious adjustments. According to Krewe Captain Clark Brennan, the throne had to be lowered by 4 feet. If that doesn't put into perspective how tall Shaw is, well, we can't help you there. Even in the videos of Shaq rolling by, he looks like a giant.