Krewe of Endymion If you want to attend New Orlean's biggest Mardi Gras party, the Krewe of Endymion parade is the parade to see. Since 1967, this all-male super-krewe has put on the city's biggest spectacle, with over 3,100 participants and 37 floats. 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 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.” 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 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 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: 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. Mardi Gras Parade Schedule. Mardi Gras is more than just a day, or one week, or even a weekend. Starting January 6 (Twelfth Night), New Orleans has parades in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras Day, which falls on March 4, 2025. Take a look at the parades below and click on each to learn more. 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
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