The French Quarter is a fantastic place to be during Mardi Gras as it’s one of New Orleans’ most popular spots. However, if you’re wondering where to watch the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans with kids in tow, you need to avoid this area as it’s simply not family-friendly. The Zulu parade is always the first thing on the day of Mardi Gras, traversing through uptown New Orleans on Tuesday morning. The krewe also throws a massive Lundi Gras Festival on Monday at Woldenberg Park that's free and open to all, featuring live music, delicious Cajun food, and the presentation of the parade characters. 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. Stay tuned to Facebook or Instagram for any last-minute weather updates to the schedule. 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.” 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 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. 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 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. 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 Celebrate Mardi Gras traditions throughout New Orleans: Twelfth Night, Chewbacchus, Zulu, Rex and more. Click here to find the best Mardi Gras events in New Orleans. 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. This year, Mardi Gras is Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras parades. Mardi Gras parades are the highlight of the season. Staged by "krewes"—Carnival organizations—these parades range from small Try to catch at least one nighttime parade (I like Muses), and try to catch it uptown, where the crowds aren't quite as massive or touristy — St. Charles Avenue between, say, between Jackson and Louisiana Avenues. 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. The New Orleans City Council passed new Mardi Gras parade rules in early 2014. Be sure you know them before you head out to the parades to avoid tickets, and to avoid bringing a bunch of stuff that you'll just have to move later. The new rules are as follows: 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 Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras, is a celebration in its own right. The Krewe of Red Beans (krewe costumes are made from the city’s iconic legume) marches through the Marigny and Bywater Laissez les bon temps rouler! New Orleans is always great to visit but Mardi Gras season is special! Make sure to catch the Endymion and Bacchus parades, and the Zulu parade on Mardi Gras day. Founded in 1933, the Krewe of Mid-City is the 5th-oldest continuously parading organization of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Often called "The best day parade in Mardi Gras," Mid-City has gained a reputation for having themes dedicated to children and for having some of the best bands in Mardi read more »
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