WASHINGTON (WGNO) — Carnival celebrations in Washington D.C. continued on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the annual Washington Mardi Gras Ball. Saturday's festivities concluded three days of events with a formal ball, mini parade and royal court presentation presided over by Washington Mardi Gras King Rico Alvendia and Queen Kendall Williams. Alma Cafe to open second location in Mid-City During the ball, the Howard University Band made a surprise tribute to Williams. This year's carnival fun kicked off on Wednesday, Jan. 23, as Alvendia and Williams met in D.C. for a toast. (Courtesy: Mateo & Company)(Courtesy: Mateo & Company)(Courtesy: Mateo & Company) Other events included a USO concert hosted by Alvendia featuring performances from country music artist Jake Owen, West Point Band and bands from Edna Karr and L.B. Landry high schools. The theme for the 2025 ball was “Duty, Honor, Louisiana,” which paid tribute to the U.S. military, veterans and first responders. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Stoner Hill was devastated by 1912 tornado Arrest made in fatal Amite head-on crash DOTD gives update on Southeast Louisiana roadways as snow, ice clear Settlement reached in lawsuit involving HGTV stars' companies: court records Harvey pedestrian killed in Plaquemines Parish crash