WHAT ARE FLAMBEAUX?

Flambeaux (say it "flam-BOH") are the torches, and the torch carriers, that have lit New Orleans' night parades since Carnival's first night parade in 1857.

Long before electric lights lined the parade routes, the flambeaux lit up the floats so crowds could see them, and led each parade along its route. The first carriers were enslaved Africans and free men of color. They made the job an art: dancing, spinning and twirling their flaming torches, while the crowd tossed coins in thanks. Today's flambeaux carry on the tradition, and you'll still see people tossing a dollar or two their way.

In the same spirit, Flambeaux Tours sets out to shed light on New Orleans' traditions and heritage. As we guide you through town, we share the city's colorful past and its living culture: the stories behind the streets, the neighborhoods and the people who made them.

We like our gumbo spicy, so we throw history, folklore, culture and our favorite places into the roux. Join us for a ride through the most unique city in America, with local guides who call it home.

Enjoy this short video displaying the Flambeaux by a local journalist:

And we can’t help but to share native New Orleanian Harry Connick Jr.’s song about the Flambeaux during carnival. Check it out!