St. John Fools of Misrule Feast of Fools & March

Noting the absence of proper Twelfth Night merrymaking on the Northshore, this marching club was formed in 2011 to herald the arrival of Carnival season in St. Tammany Parish. The organization's rituals are derived from an ancient English men's group that clamored along the evening streets, creating unruliness with cowbells and whips while delivering jeers and spankings to those caught on the street unaware. The Fools of Misrule integrated into its name homage to the historic St. John District of old Covington (1813) where the group was founded and annually conducts its bawdy procession. Their slogan: Vivere Vitam Omnino!—Live Life Completely!

If you happen to be abroad on the streets of Old Covington after 4 pm and find yourself on the receiving end of a jolly old English tongue lashing, don't say we didn't warn you. After their members-only 4 pm feast, catch the 6 pm parade marching along New Hampshire Street to Boston, north along Columbia—stopping at watering holes along the way to the Covington Trailhead, where the Lord of Misrule will be officially crowned. Expect to be dazzled by flambeaux, a brass band, and masked marchers.  Free. foolsofmisrule.com.