Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
(Flickr user Dave Herholz). Outside of New Orleans, St. Louis claims to host the United State's largest Mardi Gras party. Founded by the French some 250 years ago, the Soulard district—a 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 Here are four Mardi Gras celebrations beyond New Orleans worth checking out. Advertisement Note that officially Mardi Gras 2024 takes place on February 13, but the Carnival season begins as early as the first week of January in some locations, with the largest parades and parties happening around the weekend of February 10-11. This Louisiana Mardi Gras is packed with Creole flavor in the form of masked men in search of ingredients to make the perfect pot of gumbo. Yep, this is real—it's called Courir de Mardi Gras St. Louis holds the No. 1 spot as the best place to celebrate Mardi Gras outside New Orleans, even though it has only been doing so since 1980. St. Louis has a strong French heritage, having been Lawn Love conducted a study in the summer of 2022 that ranked the Top 10 best places to celebrate Mardi Gras outside of New Orleans. The study ranked 200 U.S. cities from best to worst (1-200) based on their overall scores (out of 100 points), averaged across weighted metrics. The Queen of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. New Orleans is Mardi Gras, and preparations begin in early January with events scheduled for weekends leading up to this year’s Mardi Gras, Tuesday, March You don't have to visit the Big Easy to go big for Mardi Gras. From Alabama to Washington, D.C., check out these 14 places to join the fun outside of New Orleans. From costumed pet parades to secretive society balls, these are the best places to celebrate Mardi Gras outside New Orleans. St Louis, Missouri It may be almost seven hundred miles from New Orleans, but St. Louis is firmly at the top of the Mardi Gras alternative list. Hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, a local organization inspired by the New Orleans Mardi Gras krewes, this epic fest centers around the rousing Parade of Pirates. Partygoers don their swashbuckling best as they enjoy adult-centric festivities throughout town and watch as a 165-foot-long pirate ship sets sail across Tampa Bay. Best Cities Mardi Gras Besides New Orleans. Mardi Gras is a lively celebration filled with parades, colorful costumes, and delicious food. While New Orleans is the most famous place to celebrate this festive day, other cities also offer fantastic Mardi Gras experiences. Here’s a look at some of the best cities to enjoy Mardi Gras outside of You don't have to visit the Big Easy to go big for Mardi Gras. From Alabama to Washington, D.C., check out these 14 places to join the fun outside of New Orleans. When most people think of Mardi Gras, they immediately think of New Orleans. It makes sense that the two are so closely linked, given that New Orleans throws the country's largest and most popular Mardi Gras celebration. But the Big Easy is far from the only place to celebrate Mardi Gras — nor is it the original U.S. city to mark the occasion (you'll find that city on this list). Here are 14 Heading to Mardi Gras, but you’re in way over your head? Don’t worry—it’s not as overwhelming as it may seem for first-timers. I’ve put together a beginner’s guide to Mardi Gras in New Orleans that even the most accident-prone, directionally-challenged traveler can follow (that would be me). The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. Meteorologist (WGNO New Orleans) and Local Influencer, @scotpilie_wx on Instagram There is a Mardi Gras for everyone! To know Mardi Gras is to experience Mardi Gras! My absolute favorite are the walking parades and the magic that is to be found in impromptu moments. - Vivacious Miss Audacious You can visit New Orleans year round and get a taste of Mardi Gras via the museums and festive atmosphere. You can even buy beads and feel like you just left a parade. (Local’s tips – Don’t buy beads during Mardi Gras season – you’ll get plenty at the parades. Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, the holiday season: There’s a reason to visit New Orleans almost any time of year. And you’ll always receive a warm welcome: “The hospitality in New Orleans is unmatched, the vibe is pure joy and everyone has a smile,” Fora X Advisor Vicki Winters said. While it is impossible to beat a New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration, many cities offer very exciting and family friendly Fat Tuesday events. Visit any of these cities for a unique and authentic Mardi Gras experience. If you are planning on having your own Mardi Gras celebration, wherever you are at, check to see if our band plays in your town.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |