Here are the main logistics you need to know to plan a trip to Mardi Gras. 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. First held as a compromise between the Catholic church and ancient pagan harvest festivals, Mardi Gras incorporated the revelry and indulgence of Saturnalia – a huge public banquet with gifts and nonstop parties in the name of Saturn – in a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. The first Mardi Gras celebration was in 1703, in Mobile, Alabama.The Mardi Gras festival was introduced to New Orleans years later. “It was in 1857 that the Mobile members of the Cowbellian de Rakin Society, formed in 1830, traveled to New Orleans and assisted with the formation of the Krewe of Comus, considered New Orleans’ most Visit Lake Charles. In Lake Charles, a three-hour drive from New Orleans, Mardi Gras events kick off in early January with the Twelfth Night celebration.Over 50 krewes that call Lake Charles home present their royal courts at this inaugural event, and the following weeks are filled with parades throughout the city leading up to the biggest celebration of all on Fat Tuesday: the Krewe of Krewes We're jazzed to let the good times roll at America's best Mardi Gras celebrations, from Twelfth Night to Fat Tuesday. Tuesday January 21 2025 Le Festival de Mardi Gras á Lafayette is February The state capitol pays homage to its most famous city with a series of Mardi Gras parades that draw thousands of spectators each year. While other cities’ Mardi Gras celebrations can get rowdy, many of Baton Rouge’s celebrations welcome revelers of all ages. Some krewes host Mardi Gras parades to benefit different organizations. Since 1999, Mardi Gras in Soulard, the St. Louis neighborhood whose French name means “drunkard” in English, includes all the best things about Carnival — parties, parades, and other festivities — but also gives back to the community with improvement grants. So you can party on with the best intentions. The Best Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans What is a Krewe? At the heart of Mardi Gras in New Orleans are the Krewes. Long story short, the Krewes are the organizations behind the Mardi Gras parades and events. There are hundreds of Krewes in New Orleans! Some have been around for decades while others are entirely new. Since 2001, the Krewe of Muses is an all-female group that has brought joy and art to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, with its parade on Thursday before Mardi Gras in Uptown. The signature throw of these ladies is a cup in the shape of a high heel shoe , designed each year by a local member of the community. Here is a refined list of the best Mardi Gras 2025 parades so you don’t miss out on the best time of the year! 1) Rio Carnival 2025: Brazil’s Biggest Carnival When someone mentions “Carnival,” Rio de Janeiro – the self-proclaimed “ Carnival Capital of the World “- instantly pops into your head! Check out events like ‘Krewe of Barkus,’ where pet owners can dress up their dogs in themed costumes—a delightful day out for animal lovers. Tips for Attending Mardi Gras 2025. Attending Mardi Gras can be overwhelming due to large crowds and busy schedules; hence planning ahead is crucial. Consider booking accommodations early since Day Parades . 1. Rex. For 146 of the city’s 300 years Rex has been around setting standards for the carnival and enriching Mardi Gras as it is imitated across the continent. This is the classic Mardi Gras parade at its best done by a krewe that does things right. Rex always uses original design to carry across a usually literary theme. Youngsville Mardi Gras Parade. March 1 at 11 a.m. Youngsville. Queen Evangeline’s Parade. March 3 at 6 p.m. Downtown Lafayette to Cajun Field. King Gabriel’s Parade. March 4 at 10 a.m. Downtown Lafayette to Cajun Field. Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade. March 4 at 1 p.m. Downtown Lafayette to Cajun Field. Lafourche Parish parades San Antonio Mardi Gras is a city-wide celebration yet again! The River Walk hosts the dazzling Bud Light Mardi Gras Festival & River Parade, while Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen brings a lively New Orleans bash with festive drinks and music. SeaWorld Mardi Gras offers a full carnival experience with live entertainment and Cajun cuisine. Wondering where to watch the Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans? Keep reading for the best locations! If you’re visiting Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you’ll definitely want to witness some of the incredible Mardi Gras parades. And finding the best places to watch the Mardi Gras parades should be on your priority list! This means that the weekend when the major New Orleans Mardi Gras parades will be taking place is on the last weekend of February, which is, more specifically, from Feb. 28 through March 2. The Best 2025 Mardi Gras Parades What is a Krewe? Mardi Gras in New Orleans revolves around the Krewes — the organizations that create the parades and events that define the season. There are hundreds of Krewes in New Orleans, each with its own history, traditions, themes, parade types, and signature “throws.” Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. Sydney’s iconic Mardi Gras returns from 16th February to 3rd March 2024, promising a kaleidoscope of events painted with rainbow hues. Immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity for the LGBTQIA+ community – the city’s energy will be electric! Best Places to Watch Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans Hey there, folks! Toxigon here, your friendly neighborhood blogger, and today we're diving into the vibrant world of Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. If you're planning to catch the action in 2025, you're in for a treat. But with so many spots
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