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The Ultimate Mardi Gras Guide

Mardi gras is tuesday, march 4, 2025, mardi gras history, the basics of mardi gras.

Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French, and represents the season of Carnival celebration. Every year, Mardi Gras season begins on  Twelfth Night , which is January 6. Twelfth Night represents the Christian holy day of the Epiphany. The season, which represents a time of celebration before Christian Lent, lasts until Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is March 4, 2025. Between January 6 and March 4, enjoy parades, king cake, community celebrations, and more. For a list of future Mardi Gras Day dates, see here .

The History of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras originated in New Orleans the day Iberville stood on our land in 1699. Since then, balls have become a tradition of the season to represent members of society. From the past to the present , Mardi Gras is full of traditions.

Mardi Gras balls began in the 1700s and still exist today. At the Twelfth Night ball, a king cake  was cut, and whoever found the bean (a precursor to today’s baby) inside would host the next ball. This would continue until Mardi Gras evening. Numerous balls still exist today, although they are often affiliated with various parades, organizations, or krewes. The first ball was held in 1857 by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. Comus hosted the first parade, followed by Rex in 1872, which debuted the king of Mardi Gras. The Rex parade gave Mardi Gras the official colors of purple to represent justice, green to represent faith, and gold to represent power. The three colors were to represent the “king.”

In 1872, the city of New Orleans was struggling through years of Reconstruction. To help the city and promote tourism, proclamations of Mardi Gras were posted at train stations throughout the country. Rex commanded his subjects to gather and celebrate Carnival in New Orleans. From there on, Mardi Gras became a sought-after tourist attraction.

For more in-depth information on Mardi Gras history and traditions, see here . You can visit many Mardi Gras museums year-round as well.

What is Lundi Gras?

Lundi Gras , which means Fat Monday in French, is the day before Mardi Gras day. Thus, Lundi Gras Day is March 3, 2025.  Some parades roll that night, including Proteus and Orpheus , while the day is often filled with festive lunches and celebrations, including the wonderfully creative Red Beans Parade. Zulu and Rex historically meet on this day and host various celebrations. To read more about Lundi Gras traditions, click here . 

Mardi Gras Logistics

When is the best time to go to mardi gras.

It is fun to be in New Orleans throughout the Mardi Gras season, but the biggest celebrations and parades begin one week before Mardi Gras Day. A marathon of parades and super-krewes roll every single night. Prior to that week, various parades roll in neighborhoods across the city on weekends-- beginning on Twelfth Night  in January. Flights and hotels fill up fast, so plan your trip ASAP!

Mardi Gras is a free event! No tickets are needed to view parades. For this year's Mardi Gras parade schedule, see here . However, balls are invitation-only or ticketed. You can also buy passes to watch parades on grandstands, located all along the route. While this isn’t as necessary further Uptown along the route, viewing stands can be helpful if you’re staying downtown and watching parades close to your hotel. Check with your hotel and see what they recommend.

The most historic parades include Proteus on Lundi Gras, and Rex and Zulu on Fat Tuesday. The largest parades are Endymion on the Saturday before Mardi Gras and Bacchus on the Sunday before Mardi Gras. Other fan favorites include Muses (an all-female krewe) on the Thursday before and Tucks , which rolls during the day on the Saturday before.

Where is it held? Where should I stay?

Where you stay during Mardi Gras depends on what you’re interested in seeing and doing. Parades roll in various neighborhoods, but the main route is from Napoleon Avenue down Saint Charles Avenue in the Uptown Neighborhood to Canal Street in the Central Business District (just on the edge of the French Quarter). It is difficult to get around during Mardi Gras, so walking or biking is your best bet. You should look into a hotel or bed and breakfast along the route– St. Charles Avenue or Canal Street are good places to start, but due to their proximity, they WILL fill up fast.

If you're  coming with your family , the Uptown neighborhood is recommended for lodging and parade viewing. Some hotels closer to downtown offer balcony viewing or stands for guests.

Restrooms are hard to find during parades, although some port-a-potties offer a toilet for a fee. Having a room close to the route is a bonus for this reason. You can also usually find bathrooms at churches and schools along the routes for a small fee. They’ll also often have snacks, water, and other concessions for sale if little ones (or adults) get hungry.

The mega-krewe  Endymion rolls through Mid-City and into downtown, while Krewe du Vieux and other smaller, walking parades, roll through the Marigny/Bywater and the French Quarter . It’s also important to note that Zulu takes a slightly different route from other Uptown parades on Mardi Gras morning, beginning at Claiborne and Jackson avenues in Central City, before meeting up with the St. Charles Avenue route at Jackson and St. Charles. The parade then turns off St. Charles at Poydras Avenue and ends in the historic Treme neighborhood (see more below).

Contrary to popular belief, none of the major parades roll down Bourbon Street . Adults are still often found on the popular street in their own revelry.  The Friday before Fat Tuesday is a popular time to hit Bourbon Street for various celebrations like Greasing of the Poles and festive lunches.

Mardi Gras Parades and Krewes

What are mardi gras krewes.

Krewes historically represent the members of various organizations that celebrate the season through parades and/or balls. Each krewe has their own history and traditions. Some are men only, some are women only, and some are open to all! They often have a captain who leads the organization, which is a big honor. Krewes often have courts which are made up of a king, queen, maids, and dukes. The court usually changes each year. They are chartered as non-profit entities and financed by dues and fundraising.

Krewe parade themes usually change each year and are inspired by history, stories, legends, the news, mythology, entertainment, and beyond. Some of the most popular parades are known for their satire and political comedy. The throws of each parade often reflect the theme or the krewe’s symbols.

For in-depth information regarding the various krewes, see here .

What is Rex?

The Rex Organization was founded in 1872, and hosted the second official parade behind Comus. It is the longest parading organization, as Comus no longer rides. The organization is credited for creating Mardi Gras royalty: Rex and his queen. Rex means king so he is known as the King of Carnival. You can spot the homes of past kings and queens of carnival by the large Rex flags hung outside. The organization is also credited with naming Mardi Gras’ official colors of purple, green, and gold, and the official royal anthem, “If I Ever Cease to Love.” The song is heard at the Rex ball, which officially closes out Mardi Gras each year. Attendance to the ball is by invitation only, but the ball can also be watched on New Orleans’ local PBS channel (which also offers a live-stream of their website). More information on the Rex Organization can be found here .

What is Zulu?

Zulu is a Social Aid and Pleasure Club that dates back to the early 1900s. Social aid and pleasure clubs were a form of financial help for members of the African American community. The club went on to create a Mardi Gras day parade that first rode in 1915, but their major route of St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street did not appear until 1968. Before then, the parade could only travel through “back streets” in African American neighborhoods. The official costume of all riding members of Zulu is black face paint, wigs, and grass skirts. From the beginning, the members threw coconuts, and today, they are highly sought after - although to prevent head injuries, coconuts must now be handed down instead of thrown into crowds. They were first painted gold, silver, or black to represent gold, silver, and coal, but today, they are hand painted in elaborate colors and designs. No two coconuts are alike! The parade’s success over the years is due to the dedication of their members and community involvement. They host a Lundi Gras celebration to prepare for the big day. Zulu rolls at 8 a.m. on Mardi Gras Day, so if you want to catch the whole thing (and for a better chance at a coconut), plan to get there early for a good spot. For more information on the history of Zulu, see here .

Are There Smaller Neighborhood Celebrations and Parades?

Yes! Mardi Gras is truly a citywide celebration, and you’ll find everything from quirky, satirical floats pulled by horses in Krewe du Vieux (warning: the themes of this parade are definitely risque and meant for adults only), to the North Side Skull and Bones Gang who roam the streets of the Treme beginning at dawn every Mardi Gras morning. Other notable favorites are the tiny shoebox floats of the Marigny-based ‘tit Rex parade and the delightfully nerdy Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus . There’s truly something for everyone–even dogs, who parade the streets of the French Quarter alongside their owners as part of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus . 

What are Mardi Gras throws?

When you hear people talk about throws, they’re referring to anything that is thrown from float-riders or krewe members during a parade. Throws include beads, toys, cups, and doubloons. Doubloons are colorful aluminum coins stamped with the parading organization's name or theme. Many krewes have signature throws such as the Muses shoe or Zulu coconut. Throws that light up, such as blinky beads and LED-adorned headdresses, are often coveted as well. The best way to catch items from a float is to make eye contact with a rider and yell “Throw me something, Mister!” And while you may have heard that flashing will get you beads, it’s not only widely looked down upon by locals, but also illegal. 

For more information on Carnival krewes, parade themes, and throws, see here .

Mardi Gras Traditions

What is mardi gras masking do people costume.

Masking is a tradition during Mardi Gras. Masks were first worn to escape society and class constraints. Today, float-riders are required to wear masks by law to keep in tradition and mystery of who is in which krewe. Float-riders often wear a costume as well that matches their float’s theme.

Parade-goers may be seen wearing masks as well, although that is not necessary. Costumes, however, are very common for parade-goers. Whether you’re decked out in purple, green and gold or just something fun, your costume will add to the celebration. Costumes are especially encouraged on Fat Tuesday. Otherwise, dress comfortably in closed-toe shoes! Visit our local costume shops for Carnival-inspired fashion.

What is a Flambeaux?

Beginning in 1857, flambeauxs were used to light the Mardi Gras parade. They are still used in parades today as tradition. A flambeaux is an iron pole that lights fire on either side of it. They are carried by brave walkers, who are thrown change as a thank you. More information can be found here .

Who are the Mardi Gras Indians?

One of the most mysterious, fascinating, and colorful pieces of New Orleans’ cultural quilt belongs to Mardi Gras Indians . A unique and historic subculture of New Orleans, Mardi Gras Indians and their traditions date back to the 1800s when Native Americans helped shield runaway slaves. Mardis Gras Indian culture is influenced by both ancestral enslaved Africans and the friendship forged with Native Americans. Catch the Mardi Gras Indians parading by foot on Mardi Gras Day as they debut their elaborate handmade suits.

What is king cake?

King Cake is the official food of Mardi Gras . The festive Mardi Gras dessert is eaten for breakfast, afternoon snacks, and throughout the parades. The name comes from the Biblical story of the three kings that bring gifts to baby Jesus. It is a blend of coffee cake and a cinnamon roll with purple, green, and gold icing or sugar. Sometimes, they are also filled with cream or fruit. Within the cake, a plastic king cake baby is hidden for fun. Tradition says that whoever finds the baby has to buy the next king cake!

King cakes are usually available to purchase beginning on Twelfth Night until Mardi Gras day. However, some bakeries have begun to sell them year-round. . For a list of where to purchase one or how to make one, see here .

Are there Mardi Gras drinks?

In New Orleans, there is no open container law. Grab a drink to-go and hit the streets! Keep in mind, no glass bottles though. The plastic cups thrown at parades are great to use when you're out and about. If looking for a place to grab a beer or cocktail along the parade route, look no further than here . 

Is Mardi Gras LGBTQ-Friendly?

Mardi Gras is incredibly open and welcoming - it’s a citywide celebration of everything that makes New Orleans great. The LGBTQ community has put their own stamp on Mardi Gras with LGBTQ krewes, balls, and organizations. The Bourbon Street Awards , named the most famous drag queen contest in America, takes place every Mardi Gras Day and is a sight to see! To be closer to the action, LGBTQ visitors may want to book accommodations in the French Quarter, Marigny, or Bywater. 

Is Mardi Gras family-friendly?

Locals grow up going to Mardi Gras--it is absolutely family-friendly! The Uptown section between Napoleon Avenue and Jackson Avenue is recommended for children. Although, there are some stands downtown at hotels that are suited for children as well. You can view our Mardi Gras for Families guide for more information.

For more information on Mardi Gras, view our Mardi Gras Bucket List and FAQs . To get prepared, see our Mardi Gras Lingo . And explore more of everything that goes into making Mardi Gras in the video below:

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A Guide to Mardi Gras Carnival season the authentic Louisiana experience

Our guide to Mardi Gras, the authentic Louisiana experience, will help you find the best there is to celebrate this special time of year. It’s more than just a party!

Before visiting this area, we were under the misconception that Mardi Gras was simply a huge wild party involving a parade, food and lots to drink over a few days in New Orleans, mainly in the French Quarter. And, while there’s certainly nothing wrong with a huge party, parades and drinks, we had no idea there’s so much more to it — and it can be very family-friendly.

It’s a time celebrated across the state, seeped in culture and time-honored tradition s observed for centuries. Mardi Gras in Louisiana is a one-of-a-kind celebration.

Guide to Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans – Celebrations Across Louisiana

We had to take a deep dive into the subject of Mardi Gras and Carnival to find out how it is celebrated in Louisiana by visiting four distinct areas of the state, Lake Charles, Shreveport- Bossier , LaFayette and of course the Big Easy, New Orleans, or as some call it NOLA. Each area does it a little differently depending on their time-honored traditions.

It’s a season when people gather and share their rich cultural heritage with formal and informal get-togethers, balls, parades and other festivities, which always include some form of music and flavorful Mardi Gras cuisine, including classic favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, and King Cake.

Be sure to check out our series of stories about travel to Louisiana to learn more.

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When is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras 2024 falls on February 13, Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, one day before Ash Wednesday. The word Mardis Gras translates to Fat Tuesday in French.

Mardi Gras dates are different every yea r and is tied to the Christian religious ceremonial requirements of Lent, a period of time (about six weeks) leading up to Easter. In 2024, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and runs 40 days from February 14 until March 28. During Lent, practicing Christians observe fasting, prayers and to take time for reflection.

Mardis Gras celebrations begin long before this date, starting on Jan. 6, the day of Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas, known as Little Christmas or Three Kings Day. This day of feast, commemorates the Three Wise Men’s visit to baby Jesus bearing gifts. It’s also the start of Carnival season and King Cakes, a long-standing Louisiana tradition.

History of Mardi Gras in Louisiana

Mardi Gras’ roots trace back to Louisiana’s  Spanish and French influences and has evolved over the centuries. Here are just a few of the lesser known traditions and customs celebrated in the different regions.

Cajun Mardi Gras

Cajun Mardi Gras is also called Courir de Mardi Gras. These festivities take place in Cajun and Creole communities in Southwestern Louisiana on Fat Tuesday. The longtime tradition has its roots in medieval France, by way of the Acadian settlers, in what is now known as Nova Scotia, Canada. In 1755, the British exiled all Acadians leaving them with nothing more than the shirt on their backs.

Arriving in Southwestern Louisiana’s rural areas, life was tough, but they were resourceful. Without money for costumes, they created outfits and face coverings from whatever scrapes of material they could find.

I was lucky to be invited to a private Ossun Courir de Mardi Gras to experience the strange, but wonderful antics of this long-established custom.

In Scott, just outside Lafayette, the revelers travel in an open trailer pulled by a truck, going from house-to-house begging for money. A flag is placed at the foot of a home’s driveway to indicated their wish to entertain these shenanigans.

When the revelers are let loose, they immediately start to beg at your feet for some coins. They quickly disperse as soon as the music starts and merrily dance, drink, mingle and eat, until the chicken comes out.

Then the chicken race is on. It’s a mad scramble to see who will catch the poor thing to add to their gumbo. Today though, it’s merely just a game.

Ossan Courir de Mardi Gras celebrations in Scott Louisiana near Lafayette, 2.5 hours from New Orleans

Courir de Mardi Gras is a tradition passed down through the centuries originating in Medieval France: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Black Mardi Gras

The zulu krewe.

At the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles, we learned from creative coordinator Ashley Royer, that Louisiana was segregated up until 1992. It was because of this law that African Americans built their own communities, their own Krewes, and their own special traditions.

The Zulu Krewe is the oldest Black Krewe in Louisiana, dating back more than 100 years to the early 1900s. In New Orleans, Zulu held the first Black Mardi Gras parade in 1909 to celebrate their African heritage. One of their unique traditions, still practiced today, is to pass out Zulu Coconuts as a Carnival throw.

Even though segregation no longer exists, Black Krewes hold their own Carnival, to celebrate their roots and community.

The Baby Dolls of New Orleans

The iconic Black Baby Dolls built their celebration parade in the red light district because of segregation.  At that time, men commonly referred to the women as “baby dolls,” so they took that for the theme of their Krewe and their unique style of costumes. To this day, it’s still a long held custom for them to wear cute little bloomer dresses and umbrellas.

Black Mardi Gras Indians (also known as Black Masking Indian Tribe)

In the 1800s, Indigenous American people provided sanctuary and support to runaway slaves forming a unique bond between the two communities.

The Montana family started Black Masking in New Orleans in the 1880s, and 2023 marked the 150th anniversary of this legacy.  They fashioned their costumes after the elaborate ceremonial regalia of their caring Indigenous friends.

Tribe chief Darryl Montana has been making his own intricate designs for the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters for more than 50 years. The yellow costume below took more than 5,000 hours for the beading alone.

Two of Tribal Chief Darryl Montana’s intricate Black Masking designs on display at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Tribal Chief Darryl Montana’s intricate Black Masking designs on display at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Krewe de Classique

In 1987, Bernard and Dolores Beaco and Alexander Johnson founded Black Mardi Gras in Lake Charles, Louisiana. They called it Krewe de Classique.

Bernard was a raised in New Orleans and grew up watching the hive of Mardi Gras activity there. When he moved to Lake Charles, he missed that excitement and knew he had to do something about it, thus, Krewe of Class was born.  Their membership flourished with a wide variety of individuals, some coming from as far as Baton Rouge and Houston.

Dolores Beaco made all the garments displaying their chosen colors of black, silver, and gold. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

What are the colors of Mardi Gras?

Since 1872, three colors dominate Carnival season, green, purple and gold. Green is for faith, purple signifies justice, and gold represents power. These colors were initiated by New Orleans Carnival King Rex. Read more below about Kings, Queens and Krewes.

Green, purple and gold signify the colors of Mardi Gras. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

What the heck is a Mardi Gras Krewe?

I certainly did not know what a Krewe was until my visit to Southern Louisiana. There was excited talk of Krewes, Kings and Queens everywhere.

Krewes are extremely important and, without them, Carnival parades and events would not happen. Krewes are membership organizations, complete with dues, that create the magic of Mardi Gras.

I really admire the sense of community and efforts it takes to keep everyone engaged and connected throughout the year as a team — and the desire to have a whole lot of fun.

While each Krewe hold various events, such as float-loading parties and gumbo cook-offs, and has a chair and volunteers, each plans its own celebrations. Volunteers help with the upkeep and repairs on the float and as an incentive, they receive points to allow them to ride in the parade. If there is a gala ball involved, those points also give them the order in which they can pick their table locations in the venue.

If a Krewe does host a formal ball, that’s where the Queen and King for the year is announced.  There may also Dukes, Duchesses and captains. These events are not usually open to the general public, but outside guests can attend if invited.

How do you become a King and Queen?

Each year the King and Queen is selected by vote and, once elected, they are treated like royalty — typically it’s a couple that is elected. The interested parties put their own names forth, because there is a big expense attached to this honored title.

The expenses cover elaborately stunning outfits, any guests attending, beads or other types of “throws,” and food and refreshments. The costs can really mount up.

Krewe of Gemini Shreveport-Bossier

Krewe of Gemini Parade is said to be one of the best in the area of Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana. This Krewe organized and created the first Mardi Gras celebrations in their city in February 1990, rolling out 12 grand floats.

Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras parade two, Kings and Queen in Shreveport-Bossier Louisiana. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

A gorgeous Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Queen in Shreveport-Bossier Louisiana. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Two Krewes of Gemini Mardi Gras Kings and Queens in Shreveport-Bossier Louisiana. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Mardi Gras Floats

An expert on floats, Jeff Benoit from B & O Kitchen & Grocery in Sulphur, LA, just outside Lake Charles told us that all standard floats built need to be least eight-feet-wide, but a mega float, which he has, for example, is 12-feet-wide, 53-feet-long and can hold up to 80 people. This type of float would fall to the back of the line because of its width and two floats can not be stacked side-by-side on the roadway.

Some of the more elaborate parade floats come complete with all the amenities, including two bathrooms, drink holders and bead and throw holders.

The catwalk is for the court and the founding members of the Krewe, with the membership below. The King and Queen would be on the top level of the float, which is the place to be for the best view. You can see all the floats and the people down below. The King and Queen would be on the top level of the float, which is the place to be for the best view. You can see all the floats and the people down below. Every year is a different theme and the float, along with the shirts or outfits, change to match.

Jeff Benoit from B & O Kitchen & Grocery , stands on his Krewe’s float in Sulphur, LA just outside Lake Charles. Family-run B & O Kitchen & Grocery specializes in Cajun and Creole foods and is located on the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Floats at the Krewe of Gemini parade in Shreveport-Bossier Louisiana: Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Other parade participants at the Krewe of Gemini parade in Shreveport-Bossier Louisiana. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

What is a throw?

Throws can be an assortment of items. Beads and (faux) doubloons are the most popular, but there can be shirts, cups, little King Cakes, Moon pies, stuffed toys, balloons and bouncing balls. One float, in a parade I attended in Shreveport, threw hand sanitizer and deodorant.

The object of the parade crowd is to collect as many throws as possible. Shouts can be heard along the route yelling “throw me something mister/sister,” trying to get the attention of the float participants.

Tip: If you really want to collect a lot of throws, waiting closer to the end of the parade route is ideal as throwers try to get rid of everything on board.

But, you also want to keep your eyes open because being in the crowd can be a precarious proposition and throws can hit you in the face or other body parts if you’re not looking. I know first-hand, because my hand was bruised by a flying deodorant (of all things).

Although a unique experience and a lot of fun, riding on a float can also be hazard. I rode on a double-decker float in Downtown Lafayette. Another word of caution — the nails holding the throws can really harm you because you are bounced against them when the vehicle sways or goes over a speed bump. Luckily, my friend had lent me a hat and I swear this saved my life when the back of my head was thrown against one of these nails.

Fun from the top of a parade float in Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. Photo, bottom right is travel writer, Terri Guthrie, whose hat saved my life. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

What is a King Cake?

The tradition of King Cakes started in France as early as the 12th century. The cakes come out on 12th day of Christmas and are available up until the day after Mardi Gras on Ash Wednesday.

Today, King Cakes in Louisiana are available in bakeries, coffee shops, and almost every store you enter. They are decorated with the colors of Carnival and may have other adornments. Cakes can be plain, but most bakers add their own special twist filling them with creamed cheese, fruit preserves and other yummy surprises.

King Cakes will often have a hidden treasure inside, like a symbol of a baby or a coin. Whoever finds this trinket will be be blessed with good luck.

What is a King Cake? Here is a cream filled King Cake showing a plastic baby found inside.

Fast Facts about Mardi Gras

•  Since 1875, Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in Louisiana.
• About 25 million pounds of items are thrown in parades each year. Yes, there is a recycling program.
• Over one million people visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras each year.
• In New Orleans, corporate sponsorships of parade floats are not allowed. All parade float expenses are paid for by its Krewe or riders.
• A mask must be worn or face paint to ride on a float in New Orleans. It’s the law.

Note: The sunning acrylic artwork on the upper left corner of the featured image is from the very talented self-taught Cajun French artist from New Orleans, Lauren Marie Breaux. Lauren Marie relocated her family, art, and self to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Follow her art work here.

Learn more about Louisiana .

Wendy Nordvik-Carr and Sandra Thomas attended various locations throughout Louisiana as part of a press trip by Explore Louisiana, Visit New Orleans, Visit Lafayette, Visit Lake Charles and Visit Shreveport, which did not review or approve of this article before it was published.

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About the Author:

Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video. She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.

Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.

She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.

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About the Author: Wendy Nordvik-Carr and Sandra Thomas

I love New Orleans and visited several times – but, never during Mardi Gras. It is really on my bucket list and I love your guide and pictures! The Kings Cake looks delicious!

I grew up experiencing Carnival in Trinidad but Mardi Gras is on my list. I also want to go and eat my way through New Orleans!

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Mardi Gras Is Returning to New Orleans This Year—Here’s What You Need to Know

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After a de facto cancellation last year, New Orleans ' Mardi Gras events are returning in 2022 with a full roster of parades reinstated. But with concerns about the Omicron variant still swirling and coronavirus infections at a record-high in the U.S. as carnival season kicks off in the Big Easy, what can visitors expect this year?

Most venues, bars, and restaurants in New Orleans currently require a proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours to enter for anyone over five years of age, a policy that looks likely to be in place for all of Mardi Gras. Venues can operate at 100 percent capacity, and the festival is so far returning with almost all of the events that would take place in a regular year. One exception: All Uptown parades have been shortened as a safety measure, with the main thoroughfare of Magazine Street no longer a part of any parade route. The city currently has an indoor masking mandate in place as well.

While the tourism-dependent city has seen a high uptake of vaccinations among residents, this does not address the fact that thousands of people from out of state flock to New Orleans every Mardi Gras—and this year, many are looking to make up for last year's lost Carnival season.

Below, all your questions about New Orleans Mardi Gras 2022, answered. 

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

When is Mardi Gras 2022?

Mardi Gras, or ‘Fat Tuesday,' lands on March 1 this year. It’s a feast that marks the last day before the beginning of Lent and the build up to the Easter holiday. In New Orleans, a strong Catholic tradition combines with city-wide hedonism both on the day itself and in the weeks-long build up. Come Ash Wednesday, there’s a collective hangover and the city returns to its regular levels of decadence as crawfish fries replace King Cakes and costumes are returned to their closets until the next time there’s a reason to dress up.

But the event season leading up to Mardi Gras goes on longer than you might think: Yes, the actual day of Mardi Gras is the liveliest Tuesday you’ll likely ever witness, but the Carnival ‘season’ that comes before always begins much earlier. Twelfth Night (January 6th this year) is always the traditional beginning of Mardi Gras celebrations with the first parades. Events slowly escalate until Fat Tuesday itself, but the celebrations can go on for anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on when Easter falls. This year Easter is relatively late, meaning there’s officially about seven weeks of Carnival. Parade frequency for 2022 ramps up around February 18th, and, as always, the weekend days before Mardi Gras (from the previous Thursday night through Fat Tuesday afternoon) are packed with events.

Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans

Brass marching band getting ready for Mardi Gras 

What you need to know about Mardi Gras parades

To dispel a myth about the holiday, Mardi Gras is 99 percent free of people disrobing for plastic beads. You might see drunken revelers on Bourbon Street doing this, but locals typically celebrate in other ways. The parades, run by organizations called “krewes,” are one way, and there is a parade for everyone. The busiest are the large, official parades, where two or three krewes navigate large floats and toss out "throws," like beads, plastic cups, and toys. These official parades take place along St. Charles Avenue, or Orleans Avenue towards Canal Street downtown, with this year’s biggest including Krewe of Endymion (February 26 at 4:15 p.m.), Krewe of Bacchus (February 27 at 5:15 p.m.), and Krewe of Orpheus (February 28 at 6 p.m.). Some other large parades, such as the Zulu and Rex Krewes', have been slightly shortened this year as a safety measure.

At the opposite end of the parade spectrum are small, independent walking parades that are also fun to catch, with lots of hand-made throws. These will include an excellent parade of miniature floats by Krewe of Tit Rex (February 13) and the Mardi Gras Day parades with Skeleton Krewe , who walk into Jackson Square from Uptown, and Krewe of St Anne , who walk to the Mississippi River in the Central Business District from the Bywater neighborhood around 8 a.m.

There are various parade options between these extremes in scale: Krewe of Barkus (February 20) is a fun dog parade with creative costumes, and Krewe of Chewbacchus (February 5) is a sci-fi themed parade. Krewe de Vieux (February 12th), one of the only parades that passes through the French Quarter, is also the most adult in nature, with fairly graphic floats depicting politicians and celebrities. You can find the full menu of parades on the Mardi Gras New Orleans official website , or download a parade tracker app here .

And while the vast majority of Mardi Gras events are very family-friendly, Family Gras is a suburban event in Metairie, 10 minutes outside the city, that will take place on February 18 this year. The event includes a Kids' Court with face painting, interactive games, food stands and free outdoor concerts featuring both local and nationally recognized performers (past headliners include The Beach Boys, Cyndi Lauper, and The Monkees; this year’s talent has not yet been confirmed).

What else to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras

The main parades are over fairly early in the morning on Fat Tuesday, but there’s hours of entertainment to be had by wandering around the French Quarter appreciating the costumes on display. The city’s best brass bands play between the floats at the parades (if you want to see more local talent in a less-crowded atmosphere, Frenchmen Street has a string of jazz venues). For some much-needed down time, head for the relative tranquility of City Park, where you can decompress in the fantastic Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden .

If you want to soak up the creativity and Mardi Gras atmosphere without any crowds at all, then a tour of the city’s house floats is an ideal compromise. With last year’s cancellation of official parades, locals took it upon themselves to pay homage to the season in a slightly different way—by adorning the fronts of their houses with even more elaborate and colorful decorations than usual. These houses became like stationary floats and were a point of pride for the dozens of artists and revelers that took part. People would organize self-guided tours, and they became such a success that a new tradition was born . Touring these delightful creations during the week is a perfect, crowd-free way to appreciate Mardi Gras.

King Cake from Don Phuong Bakery 

Hot Tin Rooftop Bar

Where to stay for Mardi Gras

St. Charles Avenue is the main route for many of the larger parades, and it's also home to one of the city’s best stays: The Pontchartrain Hotel oozes vintage style and boasts one of the best rooftop bars in the city. The Central Business District is also a good location for its proximity to both Uptown and Downtown events, and the neighborhood has properties for most budgets. Maison de la Luz , meanwhile, is setting the standard for luxury in town, while the newly opened Virgin Hotel New Orleans is a lively, and more affordable addition. High rollers might also want to look at the brand new Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans , or for a more value-forward stay, a characterful property such as The Troubadour .

What to eat during Mardi Gras

King Cake is the most highly sought-after seasonal confection in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. The best in the city are generally regarded to come from Don Phuong Bakery (a 20-minute drive out into the suburbs, where lines form early in the morning). Closer to the city center is Cake Cafe , and most bakeries and even grocery stores will have their own variations.

Crawfish season will be in full swing all across the city come Mardi Gras, so try and find a boil to join and belly up to the communal table with your napkins—it’s a messily democratic way to eat, and a quintessential New Orleans experience. The list of the city’s best restaurants will see you in good stead, but be sure to make reservations well in advance for the more popular spots as tables will fill up quickly, just as the rest of the city does this time of year.

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Your ultimate guide to Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Dec 4, 2022 • 8 min read

Lawrence Boudreaux, Marwan Pleasant, Jwan Boudreaux, and Nigel Pleasant of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians face off with another tribe in 2019 © Erika Goldring/Getty Images

It's colorful, chaotic and deeply engrained in the soul of New Orleans . Mardi Gras is undoubtedly the city's most epic event.

So how do you make the most of your time at this iconic festival? Here's everything you need to know about doing Mardi Gras right. 

What is Mardi Gras? 

Mardi Gras ⁠— French for Fat Tuesday ⁠— marks the end of the Carnival season, a roughly two-and-a-half-week period of revelry that precedes the Christian holidays of Ash Wednesday and Lent. The next festival happens on February 21 in 2023 and New Orleans is famous for its celebrations, bringing in people from around the world to join in the revelry. 

Much of Carnival is marked by parades, from small groups of friends to multi-mile processions of professionally built floats. The parades and their associated parties increase in frequency as Carnival goes on, reaching a fever pitch about five days before Fat Tuesday, culminating in pure debauched revelry on Mardi Gras day.

You haven’t done Mardi Gras unless you….  

Do a parade: either watch one or walk in one. Luckily, both are easy. Parades regularly roll down a set route through uptown New Orleans via St Charles Avenue. These are the bigger mainline parades, organized by local social clubs known as "krewes." 

Another part of Mardi Gras is less formal, more DIY parades. These "walking krewes" throw participatory parades anyone can roll with – the biggest is the Society of Saint Anne, which marches down Burgundy St in the Bywater to the French Quarter and the Mississippi River, where they bid farewell to the previous years and departed loved ones.

What do I need to pack?

Layers. Mardi Gras falls in February or March, so the weather might be balmy, or it might be freezing. Also, a bag for "throws" (the trinkets people toss from parade floats like coins, beads, toys and more), sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for walking.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, bring a costume. Or at least be prepared to make one while here. New Orleanians like to have fun, but people take "masking," or costuming, seriously. Nothing will make you look more like a clueless first-timer than trying to join a walking parade without a costume, as these parades attract a more bohemian crowd. 

Some kind of pain relief for a hangover is usually a good idea too.

What should I wear?

What goes into a good Mardi Gras costume? Usually, a ton of glitter. Really, a Mardi Gras costume can be anything you want – it just needs to be bright, noticeable, or at the very least, clever. Try and pick a costume that can be coupled with good, comfortable shoes (there’s a lot of walking during Mardi Gras, even if you’re not in a parade). Another tip: find a costume that allows you to easily use the facilities when needed. Bathroom lines will be long and people can get impatient.

Dos and don’t

Don't grab parade throws ahead of kids Parade throws are really meant for kids — and there are lots of kids on parade routes — so if you see children near you, be a hero and give them what you catch.

Don’t try and park too close to a parade route This isn’t an etiquette thing, it’s just a nightmare trying to find parking close to, or drive away from, a crowded parade. We recommend renting bicycles if you want a quick, efficient means of getting around.

Do be creative With your clothes, with your celebrations... this is meant to be fun! 

Do let yourself run wild  Er, within reason. 

Do ask for permission When possible, ask someone for permission when taking photos of their costume. This goes double for Mardi Gras Indians (see below).

Celebrate the local communities that are the soul of Mardi Gras

Go see Mardi Gras Indians , who represent a specifically African American take on masking that involves painstaking bead and feather sewing for their costumes, and rhythmic call-and-response and singing with West African roots during parades. There are some 40 Indian "tribes," representing different neighborhoods or social circles, each dominated by a hierarchy of masked "Big Chiefs," "Flag Boys" and "Spy Boys" (among others), who parade wearing costumes that can weigh in excess of 150 pounds.

Indians are manifestations of the city’s backstreet , a term for the grassroots-grown Black cultural milieu that truly makes New Orleans unique. Indians mask and parade in Black neighborhoods – the tradition is partially born out of a need to reclaim Mardi Gras for the Black community. They are iconic symbols of Mardi Gras, and frequent subjects of documentary photography and videography, so they’re used to being filmed — but it's still polite to ask. If you want to see Mardi Gras Indians chanting and parading on Fat Tuesday, head to streets like St Bernard Avenue, or the intersection of Claiborne Avenue and Orleans Ave. Keep a respectful distance, read the room, and flow with the crowd’s energy when it comes to moving around.

What’s a secret Mardi Gras location?

It’s no secret, per se, but in many ways, Mardi Gras begins in the heart of the Tremé, one of the nation’s oldest Black neighborhoods. In the street in front of St Augustine’s Church , members of African American parading groups like the Babydolls, the North Side Skull & Bones (who dress as skeletons to represent the mortality that comes hand-in-hand with revelry) and some Mardi Gras Indians, gather around 5am to greet the dawn and kick Mardi Gras off.

How do I get to Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras occurs all over Louisiana, although New Orleans’ celebration is the most famous. Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) receives flights from around the world, but fair warning, tickets can get pretty expensive near Mardi Gras day. 

What neighborhood should I stay in? 

New Orleans has a neighborhood for every kind of traveler . If you want to see big parades with lots of floats, stay Uptown, or in the Garden District. If you want to party, stay in the French Quarter or CBD. If you want to join smaller DIY walking krewes, stay in the Bywater or Faubourg Marigny.

Are children welcome at Mardi Gras?

Yes! Contrary to popular perception, Mardi Gras is largely a family holiday. People get wild in the French Quarter, but you’ll see families out enjoying the day all across the city. Kids love costumes!

What are the sustainability efforts and how can I help? 

Every year, people throw out some 25 million pounds of beads. Usually, they’re made of cheap plastic, and all too often, they clog drainpipes and sewer grates. Don’t buy bog standard cheap plastic beads. If you get some, donate them to the Arc of Greater New Orleans , which recycles throws. And do an internet search of "sustainable Mardi gras beads" to bring up several retailers offering throws that don’t just trash the city.

Local tip: “When in Rome, don’t do as the Romans. We have a bad habit of littering in New Orleans that only gets worse during Mardi Gras. Have a good time, and please throw trash away responsibly  —  a cleaner city makes for a better carnival.” - Mike Robertshaw, member of Krewe Delusion.

What can I do after Mardi Gras? 

Rest? You’ll probably need it! A bit of nature never did anyone wrong after hard partying, and to this end, you could drive about an hour south of town to the Barataria Preserve , where an easy boardwalk path extends out over the bayou and swamps.

You can’t miss...

Having a slice of king cake before you leave. This seasonal treat is a roll of twisted cinnamon-infused dough, often accompanied by a filling — cream cheese is the most common, but you can also find Bavarian cream, pecan praline, and other goodies. King cake is the food of the Gods, both because it tastes good and because eating too much will hasten the process of meeting your maker.

I missed out on this year — how do I start planning for next year? 

You’ll want to make hotel and restaurant reservations at least three months out, if not more. Because Mardi Gras’s timeline is based on the Catholic calendar, the actual date is a moving target that falls in February or March; check out future dates here .

Pop culture prep work 

Best Mardi Gras TV Show Treme, Season 1, Episode 8:   All On a Mardi Gras Day "Treme" was David Simon’s love letter to New Orleans, its people, and its culture. "All On a Mardi Gras Day" may be the best fictionalized depiction of the holiday on film, an hour-long parade (sorry...) of every element of Mardi Gras celebration, from St Charles Avenue float parades to Mardi Gras Indians, as experienced by a hapless cast of misfits who let the sensory overload wash over and into their being — all as it should be, all on a Mardi Gras Day.  

Best Mardi Gras music Speaking of "All On a Mardi Gras Day," that’s an actual song , as performed by the Wild Magnolias – a Mardi Gras Indian tribe that doubles as a funk ensemble. There’s an entire genre of New Orleans music known as carnival music that ranges from brass band favorites to funk to hip-hop; these playlists , put together by local music stewards WWOZ, aren’t comprehensive, but they’re a good start.

This article was first published Feb 28, 2022 and updated Dec 4, 2022.

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Mardi Gras In New Orleans:

Location :  New Orleans Garden District & French Quarter Cost : Parades Are Free When Is It : Two Weeks Leading Up To Lent with Fat Tuesday ( Mardi Gras ) being the biggest day. Fun Scale :  10 out of 10

Overview of Mardi Gras:

Mardi Gras ( Fat Tuesday ) has been celebrated in New Orleans since 1856 and serves as the energetic climax of the  Carnival season ( started in Europe in the 11th Century ).  The Carnival season officially starts each year on January 6th marking the King’s Day ( Feast of the Epiphany ), but the main party in New Orleans is over the 14 days leading up to Fat Tuesday.  Fat Tuesday is considered the last day Christians can eat and drink whatever they want each year before 30 days of Lent  starts on  Ash Wednesday .

Fat Tuesday can be as early as February 3, or as late as March 9, depending on when Easter falls each year.  Fat Tuesday is always 47 days before Easter and Easter is always the first Sunday after the Spring Full Moon.  The two-week celebration in New Orleans is a non-stop of parties, joy, bead tossing, costumes, music, drinking, eating, and lavish parades that engulf the entire city.  If there was one thing that best summed up New Orleans culture, it would be Mardi Gras.

Helpful Mardi Gras Tips:

1.  Best Time To Go To Mardi Gras : While celebrations happen over a 2 week period for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it is really up to your preference for when you should go.  If you don’t like the big crowds but still want a taste of the festivities then go early.  If you want to jump in head first and get the full experience come the weekend before Fat Tuesday when it is the busiest and stay until the end.  The weather is typically also good and the partying goes as late as 5am.  If you want to escape the city and parades during the day check out our  Top Day Trips From New Orleans .

2. Where To Stay : If you want to visit Mardi Gras you better book your hotel room very early as hotels in the compact French Quarter sell out fast.  When we say fast, if you aren’t booked 6-12 months in advance your choices are going to be limited.  You will really want to stay in the core of town near Bourbon or Royal Street if possible not only to be close to the action but also to avoid walking through any bad neighborhoods after a long night of drinking.

If you have to stay outside the French Quarter consider either the Garden District or the part of town between these two areas as they are not only the most convenient but also the safest.  If all of the major hotel chains are sold out consider any of the local bed & breakfasts that are often left off of websites like hotels.com.  Like other huge international celebrations like Oktoberfest in Munich, expect to pay 2-3 times more for a hotel during Mardi Gras, especially on weekends.

3. About The Parades : While most of the partying happens up and down famous Bourbon Street, the major daily Parades routes have run along  Saint Charles Avenue & Canal Street just West of the French Quarter since the late 1960s.  The Parades routes were moved to these streets because of how narrow the French Quarter streets are, however, it hasn’t slowed the Quarter’s party scene down one bit.  While there are a couple of parades that go through part of the French Quarter, the parades themselves largely have family-friendly  atmospheres and are away from most of the hardcore drinking.  It typically only on Bourbon Street where women will be flashing their boobs to get beads surrounded by drunk guys.

Some of the floats cost more than $1 Million and can be over 300 feet long!  Since there are over  1,000 floats and 50 parades  you can see why it takes something dramatic to really stand out.  Float riders are required to wear masks at all times and since the 1870s they have thrown beads, doubloons, and trinkets to the observing public.  The weekend right before Fat Tuesday is the busiest parade days when the streets are packed with bleacher seating.  The two best parades both happen on St Charles Street called  Bacchus and Rex .  Bacchus is named after the Roman God of Wine, features celebrity guests and ends at a party of 5,000 people.  Rex is where you will find the best hand-painted floats.   For a full parade schedule and routes  Click HERE .

4. Mardi Gras Dress : If you aren’t dressed festively at Mardi Gras, you won’t get the full experience.  Many of the costumes showcase New Orleans’ French root, while most other costumes are themed along both the city’s Voodoo and Cajun roots.  Expect a lot of skeletons, many very revealing outfits, and the official Madri Gras Colors of  Purple ,   Green , and  Gold .  The colors were selected in 1872 with Purple represents justice, Green represents faith and Gold represents power.  Fat Tuesday is the biggest day for the wearing of costumes, but people will at least wear Mardi Gras colors even if they aren’t dressed up the other days.

5. Mardi Gras World Museum : Mardi Gras World is a huge chamber of wonders, created for you by the people who bring Mardi Gras to life every year, the artists of  Blaine Kern Studios . The colors, the lights, the music, the joie de vivre. Year-round you can peek behind the curtain and tour Mardi Gras in the making through a wide range of giant floats, props, and costumes.  Since 1947, Blaine Kern Studios has been as much a part of Carnival as the parades New Orleans themselves and are now the World’s leading makers of floats, sculpture, and props.

Hours :  Daily 9:30am-4:30pm with tours every 30 minutes.   Cost :  Adults $20, Children $13.   Getting Here : It is located right at the end of the Riverfront Streetcar line which follows the river from the French Quarter going south. Cost for the streetcar is $1.25 each way but Mardi Gras world also has a number of free shuttles that leave from Jackson Square, just call them beforehand to confirm departure times.  Address : 1380 Port of New Orleans Place.  Website : Here .

6. Future Mardi Gras Dates : To save you the time Googling it, here are the dates of many of the upcoming Fat Tuesdays

• March 5, 2019

• February 25, 2020

• February 16, 2021

7. Odds & Ends : Expect your cell phone won’t work during the height of the biggest parades and bar nights as the hoards of people often overload the cell phone network.  Have a meeting place as a back up in case your group gets separated since you may not be able to reach them by phone.  Like any time you travel carry a little tissue and hand sanitizer with because you just never know.  Plan on delays and long lines for food, so arrive early and make reservations when you can plan ahead.  Worst case, at least bring a couple of snacks like protein bars in case you have to stand in line a long time for food.

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Louisiana Mardi Gras: A Behind-the-Scenes Look and Fascinating History

• January 16, 2024
• Categories: Art Festivals , Cultural Festivals , Design , Destination Guide , North America , Travel
• Author: Karen LeBlanc

As a bonafide “Cajun” born and raised in south Louisiana, Mardi Gras season is tied to my culture, childhood, family, and traditions.  It starts on January 6th, known as Twelfth Night, the feast of the Epiphany and Three Kings’ Day . 

Historical Roots of Mardi Gras

Arthur Hardy , Mardi Gras scholar and founder of the popular Mardi Gras Guide, credits the Krewe of Comus with establishing the first carnival organization in 1857 and the concept of a Mardi Gras “Krewe.”

Celebrating ‘The Greatest Free Show on Earth’

Today, Mardi Gras is known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” with approximately 70 parades set to roll through the greater New Orleans area, plus countless other parades in towns and communities across Louisiana embodying local culture and customs.

Themes and signature “throws” from beads to doubloons distinguish each parade, some with celebrity guests who serve as Kings and Queens.  Satire and Greek mythology are recurring themes of many carnival krewes.

Social Commentary of Phunny Phorty Phellows

Some, such as the Phunny Phorty Phellows, a masked krewe that kicks off Carnival Season on Twelfth Night, are known for their social commentary on current events and notorious characters. The Phunny Phorty Phellows “Herald the Arrival of Carnival” with a streetcar ride down St. Charles Ave.  The masked krewe is famous for its satirical costumes and themes and dates back to 1878. 

”Satire during Mardi Gras is provocative, cathartic, and hilarious.  It lets us express our emotions and laugh at ourselves” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, referring to a new exhibit at The Presbytère Museum The Mardi Gras Satire:  Puncturing Pomposity. It features rare nineteenth-century parade bulletins and booklets of the Phunny Phorty Phellows and the Independent Order of the Moon, modern float figures, parade throws, and photographs. The museum also has a permanent Mardi Gras exhibit. of floats, costumes and throws. 

Floats were originally made out of papier maché, many starting out as small models or renderings. Today, float-making is a mix of artisanal and automated techniques.

Behind the Scenes Craftsmanship of Louisiana Mardi Gras Floats

For a behind-the-scenes look at this Mardi Gras art form, I visited Kern Studios in New Orleans, which has been designing and building floats since the 1940s.

I met up with Patrick Kern, a fourth-generation float builder and director of operations at Kern Studios.  He took us on a tour of Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World, the part of Kern Studios open to public tours and for an insider’s look at Kern Studios, the float-making company. 

Float props are made out of Styrofoam, coated in papier maché to create a smooth surface for painting and then sprayed with a coat of polyurethane.

A robot named Pixie often sculpts the props from large Styrofoam blocks following digitized renderings. “There are two types of Mardi Gras floats, signature floats that stay the same each year and themed floats that change designs each year,” Patrick explains.

Kern Studios: A Legacy of Float Building in New Orleans

Kern Studios began operations in 1947, founded by Patrick’s grandfather, Blaine Kern, son of a sign painter, founded the float-making company in 1947 after misfortune, fate and opportunity collided. Blaine’s mother was ill and needed medical care, so Blaine offered to paint a mural to pay for her surgery. The doctor performing her surgery was captain of the Krew of Alla, which rolled in Algiers on the West Bank. The doctor was so impressed by the mural that he asked Blaine to design and craft floats for the Krew of Alla. Blaine and his dad Roy began making floats in the early 1930s for the Krewe of Alla, which caught the attention of the Krewe of Rex.

Mardi Gras World offers guided tours of its prop storage facility, where you can see artists at work. 

In another nearby building, the float barn, workers build the float frames out of plywood and covered them with fabric, some with little knobs embedded, known as bump outs to add depth and dimension to the float surface.

With all the drinking and revelry that goes on, you might wonder, does each float come with a bathroom? The answer is yes. The outhouse-like structure is seamless camouflage in the float’s design but here’s a look at the basic structure before it is decorated. 

Kern Studios designs and builds floats fo r “Old-Line” parades, including the Krewe of Endymion, which parades through Midtown on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday, the Krewe of Bacchus, which rolls in Uptown New Orleans on the Sunday before Mardi Gras day. 

The Krewe of Rex, founded in 1872 by New Orleans businessmen, started out as a spectacle to honor visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich.

The Krewe of Rex parades on Mardi Gras day in Uptown, New Orleans.

The company also crafts floats built on wooden wheels for Proteus, the oldest night parade founded in 1881 that rolls on Lundi Gras, the Monday before Fat Tuesday. 

Initially, the parades rolled through the French Quarter but they grew so large that they posed a safety hazard.  In 1973, New Orleans banned parades through the French Quarter and they changed routes, traveling along St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street.

Across Louisiana, communities put their own cultural spin on Mardi Gras. In the Acadiana country of southern Louisiana, masqueraders wear painted wire mesh masks that have styles distinguished by the parish of origin, a quilted suit in purple, green, and gold, and a conical hat called a capuchin. Participants ride horses from farm to farm, singing, playing pranks, and begging for ingredients to cook a community gumbo.

Throughout Louisiana, Mardi Gras Indians dressed in e laborate beaded and feathered costumes take to the streets in various parades.

In Covington, Mardi Gras Day pays homage to the town’s indigenous past with The Krewe of Bogue Falaya, named after Bogue Falaya river, once a primary fishing and trade waterway for indigenous peoples and European newcomers. The term is derived from the Choctaw words bogu, (bayou, stream or waterway) and falaya (long).

The Washington Mardi Gras Ball

Louisiana politicians have exported the state’s Mardi Gras party to the nation’s capital, the annual Mardi Gras event in Washington D.C.  The Mystick Krewe of Louisianians holds an annual multi-day event that includes a costume ball and parade featuring a king, queen and royal court of princesses and Louisiana festival queens.

2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Washington DC Mardi Gras Ball, which dates back to the 1940s when Louisiana business leaders sought to bring a taste of Louisiana Mardi Gras to its homesick Louisiana Congressional delegation and staffers during the Carnival season, which led up to Mardi Gras day.

US Senator John N. Kennedy is the 2024 event’s Chair and selected Drew Brees as King.  The 2009 Super Bowl MVP-winning quarterback for the New Orleans Saints serves alongside  Camille Morrison, Queen of the 2024 Washington DC Mardi Gras Ball. The Washington DC Mardi Gras ball is set for January 27th, 2024 with   500 krewe members from Louisiana and guests from around the nation planning to attend.

More Posts of My Louisana Travel:  Why is The Blue Dog Blue? Memories & Musings About Painter George Rodrigue The Legacy of Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & History Museum

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This Louisiana Town Is Known For Its Wild And Historic Mardi Gras Festivities

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When you think of Mardi Gras, what comes to mind? Beads, floats, music, and a bit of debauchery probably top your list. Early French settlers knew they had one last blow-out before the dreary Lenten season, and they made the most of it with over-the-top parties that are still celebrated in places like Mobile, Biloxi, St. Louis, and of course, New Orleans.

However, there’s one carnival tradition that truly stands out. As someone who once lived in the region, I can personally attest that I have never seen a Mardi Gras like the one held each year in the tiny town of Mamou, Louisiana.

Get ready for a wild ride; here are the reasons this throw-down is a must-not-miss for Mardi Gras die-hards.

Saddle Up 

Mamou’s celebration is Courir de Mardi Gras, which loosely translates to Mardi Gras Run. It begins in the wee hours of the morning when the event’s capitaine greets costumed men — and only men as tradition dictate — from across the community. They arrive on horseback, foot, or even by truck. Once the capitaine gives the order, the adventure begins. The group travels through town, bellowing out an old French begging song as they go. They sing for supper, asking people to lend them ingredients — sausage, peppers, onions, and rice — for a Mardi Gras feast. The tradition dates back centuries; the fun and frivolity last all day.

Bring The Beer

What, you might ask, is all that fun fueled by? It should come as no surprise that the Mamou Mardi Gras participants come ready to party, with enough beer and other adult beverages to last them throughout the day. Bystanders either follow the group or watch from porches and other public places. It gets pretty raucous, especially as the crowd closes in on its final ingredient for the gumbo pot.

The Chicken Chase

In the midst of all that begging and singing, there is also a hunt underway. Of course, no gumbo is complete without a chicken… or a few. The roosters and hens of Mamou are the targets of the day’s quest. Residents of homes along the courier route release them and the revelers give chase throughout town, through fields, yards, and even up trees. Fortunate fowl escape; others are captured but don’t go into the gumbo pot. Instead, they’re rounded up and sold later.

Dance Moves, Acrobatics, And Tackles

Music is central to the celebration in Mamou, so it only makes sense that the crowd should bust out the moves as the day progresses. You’ll see all sorts of dancing and occasionally even some acrobatics on horseback. The race to scoop up a chicken is so serious you’ll see tackles and catches that could just as easily take place on the gridiron. It all adds up to an active and sometimes messy day on the Louisiana prairie.

Time For Gumbo

When the route’s been completed, expect a huge fais do-do, or Cajun-style party on 6th Street, in the heart of Mamou. There, at the American Legion where the antics began earlier in the morning, a communal gumbo is served to the crowd. It’s the perfect ending to a wild, unforgettable, and authentic way to mark Mardi Gras.

Pro Tip : Mamou is about three and a half hours northwest of New Orleans. You’ll likely want to stay the evening after all the Mardi Gras fun. Consider booking Hotel Cazan , a former bank-turned-historic hotel. This place once hosted Anthony Bourdain and its location is perfect for the courier as it’s right on 6th Street.

For more information on traveling to Louisiana , check out these articles:

• 10 Fantastic Things To Do In Monroe, Louisiana
• 11 Fantastic Restaurants To Try In Shreveport, Louisiana
• 6 Interesting Historic Towns To Visit In Louisiana

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South Louisiana is home to the greatest free party on earth, a colorful celebration known as Mardi Gras. In Lafayette, LA residents celebrate in many ways including the traditional Courir de Mardi Gras ; parades with marching bands, beads and doubloons; Mardi Gras Indians with elaborate dancing and costumes; various styles of king cakes ; as well as extravagant Mardi Gras balls complete with a king and queen. Click the links below for a listing of events by parish.

Festival Insider's Guide

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Dance For A Chicken: Cajun Country Mardi Gras

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South Louisiana is home to the greatest free party on earth, a colorful celebration known as Mardi Gras. In Lafayette, LA, residents celebrate in many ways, including the…

Mardi Gras Indians of Lafayette

Living Tradition at Pontiac Point Bells, whistles, dance, and chants drape Simcoe and Surrey St. on Mardi Gras morning. The Mardi Gras Indian walking parade at Pontiac Point is a…

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The city of Lafayette, LA is located in the center of Lafayette Parish at the intersection of I-10 and I-49 between New Orleans and Houston and only 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico.

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Here’s Mardi Gras like you’ve never seen it

In Louisiana’s Cajun country, the Courir de Mardi Gras festival brings a frenzy of mischief-making.

Festival participants—individually and collectively called “Mardi Gras”—run through the fields outside Eunice, Louisiana, during the Faquetaigue Courir de Mardi Gras.

It’s dawn, and a crowd is gathering on a farm outside of Eunice, Louisiana . Although it’s Carnival time in New Orleans , about three hours away, this crowd has no passion for beads or sequined high heels. Here, chicken-chasing rules the day.

The Courir de Mardi Gras, a lesser known country cousin of the Fat Tuesday celebrations, is a frenzied foot race rooted in Cajun tradition and held in communities in South Louisiana on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The rural run across prairies and around bayous traces its origins to medieval France , where the poor would disguise themselves in masks and conical caps called capuchons and put on exuberant performances in exchange for food.

The traditional costumes live on today, and for many, the deep-rooted, rural affair is bigger than Christmas. Except on this day, there’s no reward for the good girls and boys: Like many Carnival traditions in formerly French territories , Cajun Mardi Gras focuses on merry mischief-making.

Creative anarchy

While many courirs are closed to out-of-towners and women, the Faquetaigue Courir de Mardi Gras is uniquely inclusive. Started in 2006 by Grammy-winning musician and producer Joel Savoy and fellow musician Linzay Young, the fete—which welcomes between 500 to 900 revelers and is separate from Eunice’s official event —is all honoring what the Cajuns do best: “pass a good time.”

Courir de Mardi Gras might seem like one big party, but it’s not for the faint of heart: This primal, Cajun-style endurance race (replete with fiddles and dancing) rollicks over several miles at a quick pace. By participating, you become known as a “Mardi Gras,” which leads to fun greetings: “Hey, Mardi Gras—happy Mardi Gras!”

“Cajun Mardi Gras is trying to make fun, to shake power structures and tickle society,” explains Dr. Barry Jean Ancelet, Cajun folklorist and author of Capitaine, Voyage Ton Flag . “I’m always amazed at how it catalyzes a level of creativity that wouldn’t happen on a different day or without a mask on.”

Dancing Mardi Gras take a break from the courir.

Chicken-chasing & mischief-making

The appointed Capitaine, who leads the ritual chaos, initiates newbies: Everyone wears a costume, no spectators are allowed, and everyone’s expected to join in on the exuberant begging at each house along the route. Breaking the rules means risking consequence from Les Vilaines and La Force, the masked, whip-wielding men and women who playfully keep the revelers in line.

Following a full-hearted rendition of “La Vieille Chanson de Mardi Gras” (an ancient song that doubles as a statement of purpose), the impish Mardi Gras crash through the prairie like a wild, fringe-covered wave. There’s an interesting duality at play. One moment, you might see a marauder heckling a chicken, and seconds later stopping to tenderly stroke a donkey’s nose or thank a homeowner.

Locals help put on the courir with a barbecue truck, a bandwagon, and a whole lot of gumbo.

Related: Here’s the perfect three-day road trip through Cajun country .

After a few hours, celebrants break for boudin, a spicy sausage treat. While some snack in the grass, the wiliest revelers form a human pyramid to scale a greased, 25-foot pole topped with a chicken perched on a wooden plank. Many failed attempts later, a proud Mardi Gras is seen writhing at the top, triumphantly waving the chicken in the air. At Savoy’s Faquetaigue celebration, the chicken is then released unharmed—not cooked in gumbo, as tradition originally dictated, and as still happens at other courirs.

Musicians play traditional Cajun music in preparation for the courir.

Courir de Mardi Gras may be rowdy, but it’s far from mindless: it’s a meaningful nod to Cajun culture and community. On the Faquetaigue run, this spiritual connection is most tangible when the group stops to pay homage at the grave of legendary Cajun musician Dennis McGee . Things typically wind down around 2 p.m., when music and cauldrons of rich gumbo await at Savoy’s property.

Know before you go

This year, Fat Tuesday falls on February 25. The group sets out at 8 a.m., so arrive by 7:45 to register; bring $20 cash and a backpack for water (and adult beverages). Find more details at the event’s Facebook page .

Remember: No costume, no Mardi Gras! To make your capuchon, roll poster board into a cone and decorate with fabric. Masks are often fashioned of window screen, but let your creativity shine through. Ditto with your fringed outfit: All you need is an old shirt and slacks, clothes to cut up, and a glue gun.

Mardi Gras romp through miles of countryside during the Faquetaigue courir.

Fringed outfits, wire screen masks, and conical capuchons complete a Courir de Mardi Gras costume.

Finally, Mardi Gras is about pure fun—so standing around like a sad sack is off-limits. Dance your heart out, enjoy the thrill of the chase, and relish celebrating life Cajun-style, if only for a day.

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Mardi Gras Packages

Although Mardi Gras is known as “the Greatest Free Show on Earth” and parades are free to view on public streets, there’s nothing like having a clean restroom, free-flowing drinks and great New Orleans food close by, not to mention a balcony view of the crowds below after the parades. Here you’ll find great packages either on or near the parade route and in the French Quarter after the parades.

While the packages below are from 2024, they’ll give you an idea of what kind of offerings will be available next year. Check back here as Mardi Gras 2025 gets closer for current package information. For a list of restaurants we recommend you visit during Carnival, we invite you to click here .

Mardi Gras Parade Tickets

Enjoy all that Mardi Gras has to offer from the beautiful grand stand seating right on the parade route. You'll have an up close spot to see all of the floats, marching bands and maskers, all with the comfort and ease of reserved bleacher seating. Includes access to portable restrooms, as well as food and beverage in the area. Great for the family. Packages start at $5.

Hotel Provincial

The Hotel Provincial is an intimate boutique hotel featuring lush tropical courtyards, located just blocks from Bourbon Street and the French Market. Beautifully decorated for Mardi Gras, during Carnival Season the hotel is offering multi-night stay discounts. Mention PARK and receive $10 off parking when you book on their website.

Iberville Cuisine

Spend Mardi Gras Day in the French Quarter with a Fat Tuesday All Day Access Pass from Iberville Cuisine, just a 1/2 block off Bourbon Street. Pass privileges Include all-you-care-to-eat Creole/Cajun buffet, thirst-quenching alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, VIP bathroom access (cleanest bathroom in the Quarter with a Storyville theme), and more! Experience Carnival in the home of the Souvenir Mardi Gras Bead Cup. Try their special King Cake Martini with an icing rim and edible glitter. There are only a limited number of passes available so reserve yours now. Save $25 by using the promotion link below .

Book Here for Lowest "VIP" Rate

Bourbon Heat

Make your Mardi Gras memories on Bourbon Street at New Orleans #1 dance club, a favorite amongst locals. Your Mardi Gras Balcony Experience includes a 3-hour open bar, balcony access overlooking Bourbon Street, access to VIP restrooms and more. This multi-level venue that offers live music, DJ's, outdoor Courtyard dining, VIP Bottle services, the hottest dance floor, and a 50-foot Bourbon Street balcony. Tickets start at $203.37.

Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street! Bourbon Heat has been voted New Orleans #1 dance club and is a favorite amongst locals. We are a multi-level venue that offers live music, DJ's, outdoor Courtyard dining, VIP Bottle services, the hottest dance floor, and a 50 foot Bourbon Street balcony.

Mardi Gras at Mambo’s, home to the only rooftop terrace on Bourbon Street. Celebrate Carnival from up high with a festive New Orleans Cuisine Buffet, fabulous drinks at an open bar, private balcony, and restroom access, and great views of the crowds below. Mardi Gras Rooftop Tickets available February 9-13, starting at $150.

Mardi Gras at Mambo’s, home to the only rooftop terrace on Bourbon Street. Celebrate Carnival from up high with festive Cajun and Creole food, fabulous drinks, restroom access and great views of the crowds below.

Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar

Invite up to a hundred of your closest friends to join you on the balcony at Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar this Carnival season. Their Bourbon Street Balcony Room is the ideal spot to enjoy festive drinks, fresh seafood, and all your favorite Cajun and Creole dishes. Your event includes a 5-hour rental with a Mardi Gras Buffet, open bar, in/out privileges, and private restrooms. $200 per person plus tax and service fees. $250.00 on Mardi Gras day for a 6-hour event. 75 people minimum.

Make this a Mardi Gras to remember by reserving your place at the Felix’s Mardi Gras Bourbon Street Balcony Bash. Experience includes 5 hours of open bar, Cajun and seafood dishes, and balcony access over Bourbon Street for some serious bead tossing. You’ll also get access to their whole second flo0r with comfortable season, a bar, and private restrooms. Limited tickets available so book now.

Friday, 2/9, 5 p.m. -11 p.m SOLD OUT Saturday, 2/10, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. $200 Saturday, 2/10, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. $275 Sunday, 2/11, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $200 Sunday, 2/11., 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. $225 Monday, 2/12, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $150 Monday, 2/12, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. $200 Tuesday, 2/13, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $275 Tuesday, 2/13., 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. $275

Purchase Tickets Visit Site

Maison Bourbon Jazz Club

Be one of the lucky ones on a balcony in the French Quarter at Mardi Gras 2024! The Jazz Parlor @Maison Bourbon connects to an expansive balcony that wraps around above the action on Bourbon and St. Peter streets. There isn’t a better place for your group (or should we say “krewe”) to eat, drink, and toss beads to the envious crowd below. Get all the facts and book now! This space will be gone quickly! Tickets start at $175.

Be one of the lucky ones on a balcony in the French Quarter at Mardi Gras 2024! The Jazz Parlor @Maison Bourbon connects to an expansive balcony that wraps around above the action on Bourbon and St. Peter streets. There isn’t a better place for your group (or should we say “krewe”) to eat, drink, and toss beads to the envious crowd below. Get all the facts and book now! This space will be gone quickly!

Olde NOLA Cookery

Olde Nola Cookery on Bourbon Street has two fabulous balconies overlooking the Carnival on Bourbon Street, but it will be hard to keep your eyes off your plate. Packages include a New Orleans Cuisine Buffet, open bar and private balcony, and bathroom access. Mardi Gras Balcony Tickets available February 9-13, starting at $150.

Olde Nola Cookery on Bourbon Street has two fabulous balconies overlooking the Carnival on Bourbon Street but it will be hard to keep your eyes off your plate. This restaurant serves up some of the best Cajun and Creole dishes in the city. Their Jazzy Crab Cake Platter is positively musical and the Bananas Foster Ice Cream Cake will have you second lining all day long.

Steamboat Natchez Mardi Gras Package

Let the good times roll on the river! Package includes a two-hour cruise, a meal, three alcoholic beverages from their Mardi Gras Specialty Cocktails Menu (unlimited soft drinks and juice for children), Mardi Gras decorated reserved table, and a delicious Mardi Gras treat.

Bourbon Street Balconies – Restaurants & Venues:

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Inspiration guide view and request the official southwest louisiana travel guide., southwest louisiana mardi gras, lake charles celebrates january 4 - march 4, 2025.

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is an assembly of celebrations and events leading up to Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 . Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras krewes are gearing up for a festive season filled with parades, gumbo cookoffs, and plenty of King Cake . Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana is family-friendly and boasts over 60 krewes participating in the Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes parade , the culmination of the season on Fat Tuesday. Many bakeries, restaurants, and businesses also participate in the Mardi Gras season by offering traditional King Cakes , food, and drink options with a Mardi Gras twist or seasonal specials and events to embody the spirit in Southwest Louisiana.

Mark your calendar:  The season begins with the Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana Queens Pageant on Saturday, November 2nd. The celebrations continue at  Twelfth Night on Saturday, Jan. 4. Begin the daily Mardi Gras celebrations in Downtown Lake Charles  at the  Merchants' Parade  on Friday. Saturday is a full day of events including the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off  in the exhibition hall of the Lake Charles Event Center , the Children's Mardi Gras Stroll, the  Krewe of Omega Parade , and the  Krewe of Barkus Parade .

The  Mardi Gras Children's Day and Parade will take center stage on Sunday beginning in the exhibition hall of the Event Center. The Cinderella moment of Mardi Gras, with the presentation of 2024's royal courts, takes place on Monday, March 3rd with the Royal Gala . Mardi Gras Day on March 4th, a.k.a. Fat Tuesday, features an array of parades including  Second Line Stroll ,  Jeeps on Parade , and Motor Gras Parade, all leading up to the  Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana Krewe of Krewes Parade . You can also enjoy the Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party, Mardi Gras in the ZONE, and the  Iowa Chicken Run  during the day on Mardi Gras. 

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The Best Mardi Gras Parades Beyond New Orleans

You may think of the “Big Easy” on Fat Tuesday, but other towns throughout Louisiana and the wider Gulf Coast play host to raucous celebrations

Laura Kiniry

Travel Correspondent

Tossing “ throws ” out to spectators from the bed of a Mardi Gras float is an art form I learned while riding in this year’s Krewe of Dionysus Parade in Slidell, Louisiana. Our procession of 18 floats rolled for several hours through the city’s downtown, each float decorated with colorful displays showcasing Batman, Elvis and the California Raisins, accompanied by marching bands, festival queens and more. Thousands of people lined the sidewalks, some sitting in chairs simply waiting for the next bead necklace, commemorative plastic cup or custom-printed drink koozie to sail their way. Others approached the float sides to grab the freebies, which also included cheap sunglasses and mini bottles of hand sanitizer. Small kids and adults with toddlers perched on their shoulders all beckoned for the festive prizes with their wide eyes. It’s a balance, for sure. With the constant cries of “Throw me something!” ringing in the air, no parade participant wants to be left with a ton of extra throws at the end of the ride, but you don’t want to be the float that runs out of them, either.

New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday, and the parades, balls and other festivities associated with it. But Carnival season—which has its roots in Catholicism and runs from Three Kings Day (January 6) until the day before Lent (February 21, this year)—is celebrated everywhere from Lake Charles, Louisiana to Mobile, Alabama.

“Each area has its own twists and traditions,” says Nealy Frentz, pastry chef and co-proprietor of LOLA Restaurant in Louisiana’s Northshore region, “and our celebrations have been increasing in size and scope over the years. You don’t even need to go to New Orleans anymore.”

Frentz is a member of the Krewe of Eve , an all-female krewe in the Northshore town of Mandeville. “Krewes” are social organizations that host Mardi Gras and Carnival festivities throughout Louisiana and the wider Gulf Coast. As is tradition, the Krewe of Eve’s parade, as well as its floats and costumes, are centered around a theme. For 2023, that theme was “We Go Together Like.” Frentz says, “One float chose to focus on wine and cheese, another on milk and cookies.”

Multiple parades often take place in a town on the same day, and they’re typically held at varying times, so spectators (as well as float riders) can attend as many parades as possible. “Mardi Gras is one day, but Carnival is a season,” says Cart Blackwell, curator of the Mobile Carnival Museum . In Mobile, parades occur almost daily in the week leading up to Mardi Gras. On both Lundi Gras (the day before Fat Tuesday) and Mardi Gras day itself, parades run almost continuously from morning to night.

Mobile is considered by many to be the birthplace of Mardi Gras, a tradition that began around 320 years ago when a group of French soldiers decided to have their own impromptu celebration in Alabama’s port city. Less than a decade later, they were parading down Dauphin Street in the center of town, pulling a giant bull’s head on wheels. Of course, New Orleans has its own origin story, and it’s this city that has taken Mardi Gras celebrations to a whole other level. “The two traditions are distinctive,” says Blackwell. For example, rather than krewes, Mobile has mystic societies that serve a similar purpose. “Yet they completely complement one another,” he adds.

If you’re after phallic-shaped straws that glow in the dark and other adult-themed throws, along with massive crowds and boozy mayhem, New Orleans is a must. However, the parades in Mobile, greater Louisiana and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast tend to be much more family-oriented (not that you won’t see the occasional lace lingerie, just that there’s much less of it). Each parade rider is responsible for purchasing their own throws. Thankfully, some places recycle and resell beads thrown from previous years. While some riders are known for tossing out large stuffed animals like unicorns and monkeys, others opt for footballs adorned in Mardi Gras’ traditional colors (purple for justice, gold for power and green for faith), hula hoops or even food. My best catch was a half-box of Little Debbie oatmeal creme pies. Many of the krewes and mystic societies also throw souvenir doubloons—coins made of colored aluminum typically embedded with that year’s parade date, the krewe or mystic society logo, and the parade theme.

“Every krewe and parade is different,” says Frentz. “You just have to find your people.”

Here are five places outside of New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras this season.

Mobile, Alabama

Unlike New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades, which take place throughout the city’s many neighborhoods and its greater surrounds, “All of our stuff is downtown,” says Blackwell. “It’s like a Broadway show unleashed on the streets.”

The Mobile Mask guide lists a complete rundown of upcoming events, though one not to miss is Joe Cain Day , which takes place annually the Sunday before Fat Tuesday. Cain was one of the main people credited with reviving Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebrations after the Civil War. Although he died in 1904 and was buried in Mobile County’s Odd Fellows Cemetery, a local novelist arranged to have Cain’s remains relocated to the city’s Church Street Graveyard in 1966, accompanied by a brass band procession. Now, anyone can partake in the yearly Joe Cain procession, which typically follows a graveyard gathering in which Cain’s grieving Merry Widows (dressed in all black) and much more upbeat Mistresses (dressed in all red)—both a part of the day’s traditional festivities—spend some time hurling mock insults at one another.

Fat Tuesday parades kick off at 10:30 a.m. with the Order of Athena, the only women’s group to parade on Mardi Gras in Mobile, and conclude with the city’s oldest continuous Mardi Gras parading group, the Order of Myths, who’ve been hitting the streets since 1868. Keep an eye out for their emblem float, which always includes a jester-dressed “Folly” chasing “Death” (recognizable by his skeleton suit) around a Greek-style column.

When it comes to throws, Moon Pies are a Mobile favorite. Chocolate is probably the most popular flavor, though vanilla, banana and the rare coconut Moon Pie are hot commodities as well.

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Known for its family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations , Lake Charles even has an entire day devoted to kids. On Mardi Gras Children’s Day (February 19), kids can make their own Mardi Gras souvenirs, learn about Carnival history, and attend a parade that includes children of Mardi Gras krewe members, local kids’ organizations and youth-based businesses.

Approximately 60 krewes roll together in Fat Tuesday’s evening Krewe of Krewes Parade , which tops off Carnival season with more than 100 elaborate floats.

While in Lake Charles, be sure to visit the Imperial Calcasieu Museum’s “Black History of Mardi Gras” exhibition (through March 4), displaying the jeweled crowns, sparkling gowns and histories of Louisiana’s African American krewes.

St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana

Louisiana’s laid-back Northshore hosts everything from a Mardi Gras boat parade along the Tchefuncte River to multiple Carnival dog parades, including two that occur after Fat Tuesday. There’s Krewe Du Pooch in Mandeville (February 25), whose theme this year is “Great Gatsby,” and Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws in Covington (February 26), where dogs parade on foot with their costumed humans.

Another (human-centric) parade to check out: the Krewe of Folsom , an open-to-the-public parade of floats, four-wheelers and horses that winds through the Northshore on Mardi Gras afternoon.

Lafourche Parish and Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana

Louisiana’s Cajun country, a blend of small towns, rural communities and hundreds of miles of bayous, is home to more than two dozen parades .

The Krewe of Apollo (February 18) features a noontime roll of 18 floats, as well as marching bands, jeeps and ATVs though downtown Lockport. Their theme this year is “Cartoons.” They have one float entirely devoted to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with vinyl floral sheeting decorating its exterior and a glittery foam-board Donatello (the turtle with a purple mask) matching its green facade. Another float features Flintstones cardboard cutouts and a backdrop of strategically crumpled and stapled paper.

Only kids can ride in Lafourche’s Krewe of Montegut parade (February 19), while Fat Tuesday’s Krewe of Kajuns event has grown from a simple truck parade into a procession of double-decker floats, with popular tosses like Kajuns-logo wooden nickels and crawfish trays.

The Krewe of Gheens parade is the Cajun Bayou’s first to roll on Mardi Gras Day, beginning at 11 a.m.

Mississippi Gulf Coast

Biloxi’s Krewe of Neptune is patterned after the old-line New Orleans krewes, which are known for their secrecy. All float riders dress in costumes and cover their faces in masks as they roll through downtown. The parade takes place Saturday evening, February 18, with a theme of “Neptune Rules the World.”

Other Gulf Coast parades include Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse ’s Lundi Gras parade, an evening parade featuring plenty of costumed pirates riding in golf carts. Try to catch one of their signature seahorse light-up beads and LED throws—both popular souvenirs.

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Laura Kiniry | READ MORE

Laura Kiniry is a San Francisco-based freelance writer specializing in food, drink, and travel. She contributes to a variety of outlets including American Way , O-The Oprah Magazine , BBC.com , and numerous AAA pubs.

New program pays young artists to sew Mardi Gras Indian suits

Alella Binalla grew up seeing Mardis Gras Indians parade through New Orleans’ streets during Carnival and other big festivals, but she never knew where they came from or how to participate.

“Nobody in my family ever really explained it to me,” she said. “The dedication that they put into making their suits every year and the fact that nobody can steal it from them is cool.”

Now, she’s helping them create a suit for one of their next big events.

Binalla, 16, is one of a dozen teens and young adults employed in a new program put on by Arts New Orleans’ Young Artist Movement (YAM). The program pays young participants to help put together masking suits. During evening workshops that started in August, participants design, sew and glue suits under the supervision of local Masking Indian Queens.

Residents between the ages of 16 to 22 were allowed to apply. They earn $800 once they complete the program.

Organizers hope the added financial incentive keeps the attention of younger workers, and cultivates their appreciation and interest in carrying on one of the city’s most iconic cultural traditions.

“Once you learn the skills, it doesn't end when you leave here,” said Gabrielle Tolliver, YAM's program coordinator with YAM. “You have the option to continue to practice the skill and even make money off of the skill.”

The workshop has two main goals: Empowering younger New Orleans residents through art and employment and keeping traditional cultures alive. Masking tribes need a pipeline of younger generations to keep going, Tolliver said.

The masking tradition is influenced by Native American, African and Haitian cultures. The workshop includes talks about its roots, which date back to the 1800s, when Native Americans in the South provided safe refuge to runaway slaves.

“I know we see masking a lot and can take it for granted,” Tolliver said. “But in the beginning of programming, we learned that a lot of people don't really know why it's important and how they can participate.”

To help answer those questions, YAM brought in actual Masking Indian Queens to teach at workshops.

During one in late August, Charice Harrison-Nelson spoke to a group of students as they sewed at tables inside the Joe Brown Park recreation center in New Orleans East.

“Being pretty is very important in this tradition,” she said. “But being pretty with a story.”

For decades, traditional Mardis Gras krewes only admitted white residents, so, Black communities developed their own traditions during the holiday, which evolved into a diverse set of customs and practices. Modern day Masking Indians belong to dozens of tribes throughout New Orleans.

They’re most known for paying homage to their family’s personal stories with complex, colorful suits.

The suits often carry a deeply personal story told through symbols, images or messages that call for social justice.

Harrison-Nelson, whose tribal name is Maroon Queen of the Guardians of the Flame, has tailored her suits to tell stories about her family’s struggles, including her own battle with cancer.

“My father would say, ‘If you simply want to dress to be pretty, you need to call yourself something else because you're not a guardian of the flame,’” she said.

Normally, community members volunteer to help with the weeks-long sewing process. But Harrison-Nelson said hiring teens could be a new way to generate interest in the tradition.

“ It's really a model for the ways that people of African descent learn not in a four-wall white, sterile classroom with desk and industrial rows, but in community,” she said.

On top of learning, it's a good temporary job opportunity for young people, Ju White, 20, said while sewing a patch with red, green and purple jewels that spelled out his initials.

“I feel like on social media, there’s a lot of negative things being spewed out about our youth and that's not the full story of things,” he said. “We're making pieces that are contributing to a culture that means something to the city.”

Their goal is to produce three suits over the course of two months. White’s suit will be in the shape of a dragon made of the Earth’s four elements, water, fire, air and earth.

The finished products will be worn by Masking Indian Queens in November during LUNA Fête , the city’s art, light and technology festival. The queens will perform dances and be accompanied by digital projections that help tell their stories.

Not all the YAM workshop participants will go on to join masking tribes, but many said they felt inspired by the culture. White runs his own clothing brand, and he wants to incorporate the tradition into his designs.

“I haven't seen many people who've beaded something put it on a pair of jeans or a shirt or hat or anything,” he said. “So, I feel like it's given me some inspiration and some new connections with people.”

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Charges dropped for man who had pet opossum, ‘Saffron,’ confiscated during Mardi Gras

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — This past Mardi Gras, “ Saffron ” the pet opossum was confiscated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents in the French Quarter.

At the time, “Saffron” belonged to William Voiles, but was taken away because agents said it was illegal to possess a wild animal. Voiles was issued a ticket to appear in court.

Will Saffron the opossum ever be returned? Owner gives update

Voiles said that this week in court, he plead no contest in exchange for having the charges dropped, and the judge did.

The Humane Society of Louisiana helped Voiles throughout his court ordeals. The Humane Society agreed to pay for court costs.

Saffron the opossum confiscated for fleas, tapeworms

As for getting his beloved pet back, Voiles said that the Humane Society is still working on getting him a handler’s license through the state.

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 .

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.

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Celebrate Slovenian Mardi Gras In Ohio At Kurentovanje, One Of Ohio’s Most Unique Festivals

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Mardi Gras season is upon us and you don't need to travel to NOLA to experience the excitement and exuberance of this event. Ohioans can celebrate Slovenian  Mardi Gras at Kurentovanje, a wholly unique and one-of-a-kind festival in Ohio that captures the pure magic and unbridled spirit of the season! The 12th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje is happening this February in the charming and historic St. Clair-Superior Neighborhood of Cleveland, and it's one of the most unique and must-visit festivals in Ohio .

New Orleans, Louisiana, IS Mardi Gras (word nerds know this as metonymy). The history and vibe of this event is second to none, and attending an authentic NOLA Mardi Gras is one of those experiences that certainly belongs on everyone's bucket list .

Happily, Ohioans need not book a trip to Louisiana to experience this iconic event; Kurentovanje in Cleveland, Ohio, is a multi-day "Slovenian Mardi Gras" festival, celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Since 2013, this beloved tradition has been celebrated annually in Cleveland. For 2024, the festival spans Feb. 3-10, with exciting events happening each day that cover all aspects of Slovenian culture.

Activities during the celebration include a parade and 5K run, wine tastings and global cuisine, and guest lectures and live performances. The Slovenian Museum and Archives is also often open to visitors during the festival, too.

Food is, of course, a big part of any cultural celebration, and Cleveland Kurentovanje is no different! This festival also offers folks the opportunity to indulge in delicious treats, including Lectovo hearts, colorfully decorated honey cookies that are a beloved part of Slovenian cultural identity.

The festival's unofficial emcee is the Kurent, a furry creature said to chase away winter to make way for spring.

The Kurents will make their first public appearance with a traditional "jump," so check the schedule and clear your calendar to witness their arrival! Take note of their bold bells, said to produce a sound that helps chase winter from the region.

Just like the "real" Mardi Gras, this week-long celebration culminates in a big, ole festival; the parade moves down St. Clair and attendees are encouraged to dress up in costumes of any kind to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Whether Kurentovanje chases away winter in Cleveland or not, one thing's for sure: this Slovenian Mardi Gras festival in Ohio truly is something special. See you there!

Have you attended this Slovenian Mardi Gras festival in Ohio before? Kurentovanje captures the spirit of Mardi Gras and is one of those only-in-Ohio festivals you need to experience at least once!

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Grab Your Wizard Hat And Wand For This Harry Potter Themed Festival In Ohio

Calling all muggles and wizards! There's a Harry Potter themed festival happening in Ohio this summer that promises to be nothing short of magical. Grab your wizard hat and wand for a spellbinding adventure during Wands + Wizards Weekend in Fairfield County, Ohio, on August 8-10. Whether you’re a devoted Gryffindor or a loyal Hufflepuff, this fairy tale festival in Fairfield County will transport you to the wonderful world of Harry Potter.

J. K. Rowling created something truly magical when she penned the Harry Potter series; a world of magic and enchantment, of whimsy and wonder.

A world that's truly the sum of its parts, location and architecture are equally part of the Harry Potter equation... who doesn't swoon over Hogwarts ?

Ohio has lots of Hogwarts-esque buildings and places seemingly plucked from the pages of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" -- Lancaster, of course, being one of them. This town in south-central Ohio is in between Columbus and Zanesville, and, despite having a population of over 40,000, maintains a distinct small-town vibe that's nothing short of enchanting.

And during Wands + Wizards Weekend each August, the "charm" factor gets dialed way up... literally!

Each year, Potterheads head to Fairfield County, Ohio, for *the* must-visit Harry Potter festival of the year.

Shops sell wands, restaurants brew bubbling potions, and magicians share some of their most heavily-guarded spells and secrets. (Maybe...) This is a weekend full of fun and fandom !

This Harry Potter-themed festival is free to experience, though it is extremely popular, so I recommend booking an Airbnb in Lancaster, Ohio , to make the most of this magical weekend!

There's something about the world of Harry Potter that brings out the kid in all of us. And really, who doesn't need a little more magic in their lives?

I'll see you in Fairfield County this August for Wands + Wizards Weekend. Huzzah!

Wands + Wizards Weekend happens August 8-10, 2024 in Fairfield County, Ohio, and admission is free. Learn more at the event website.

Are you a Hufflepuff or Gryffindor? Take this sorting quiz to find out!

Hot Air Balloons Will Be Soaring At Ohio’s 49th All Ohio Balloon Fest

The All Ohio Balloon Fest in Marysville is a long-running, family-friendly hot air balloon festival featuring colorful balloons, food vendors, and live entertainment.

There's something truly magical about a hot air balloon festival. The sight of the colorful balloons gliding across the nighttime sky is downright enchanting. Back for its 49th year, the All Ohio Balloon Fest in Marysville will light up the night in mid-August. It's a one-of-a-kind hot air balloon festival in Ohio the whole family can enjoy.

One of the longest-running hot air balloon festivals in the U.S., the All Ohio Balloon Fest attracts thousands of visitors each year.

It takes place at the Union County Airport in Marysville, Ohio.

Since 1975, bright, colorful, and uniquely shaped balloons have glided across the sky during this special weekend in Ohio.

For a complete list of the balloonists appearing this year, visit the All Ohio Balloon Festival website.

The dates vary slightly every year, but this Ohio hot air balloon festival typically takes place the second weekend in August. It features plenty of food vendors, hot air balloon rides, and so much more.

Note: Ticket sales at the gate are cash only and parking is $15. You can purchase your tickets online in advance through the All Ohio Balloon Festival website.

As an added bonus, you'll get to enjoy some live entertainment. Every year has different performers. In the past, festival goers have enjoyed listening to performances by Saving Jane, Cole Swindell, The Beach Boys and more.

Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs!

Kids Fun Space features bounce houses and games during select times on Friday and Saturday.

There is plenty of fun to be held throughout the entire festival but be sure to check the schedule so you know when various attractions will be available to enjoy.

To stay up to date on this year's schedule, follow All Ohio Balloon Fest on Facebook!

Have you ever attended the All Ohio Balloon Fest before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like and whether you have any tips to share on how to make the most of your time at this hot air balloon festival in Ohio. Once you decide to start planning your trip, don't forget to book a hotel room nearby, so you can enjoy all the fun the festival has to offer.

While you are in Marysville for the festival, check out a few more of our favorite things to do near Columbus .

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/ohio/columbus/outdoor-activities-columbus-oh/

After you attend the hot air balloon festival, take a day trip to Ohio's beautiful Hocking Hills area. It is one of the most scenic areas of Ohio:

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