When is Mardi Gras 2025? This year, Mardi Gras, which translates from French to "Fat Tuesday," is on March 4. Ash Wednesday is on March 5, the day marking the start of the 40-day Lenten season 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 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.” 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. Carnival season 2025 is approaching its climax in New Orleans and all the Gulf Coast. Big parades are rolling down the main routes as some get fancied up for formal balls and others costume to poke fun and make merry. The three largest Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans are parades for the Krewes of Endymion, Bacchus and Muses. Krewe of Endymion The Krewe of Endymion parade is on Saturday, March 1 at 4 p.m. Shorty Gras—the Krewe of Freret’s annual post-parade party—takes place on February 22 at Mardi Gras World and features performances by Ja Rule, Juvenile, The Soul Rebels, and of course Mardi Gras Day. Celebrations begin quite early on Mardi Gras Day and continue all day and through the night. Depending on the Lenten season and ultimately the date of Easter, Mardi Gras can fall on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9. Uptown, the Zulu parade rolls first, with the Rex parade following immediately after. Everything you need to know about Mardi Gras, including updated parade routes, traditions, the best places to get Mardi Gras beads, masks, king cakes and more! 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 Big Parade application window will reopen in January 2025. Please reference The Big Parade FAQ and Standards & Regulations for information on general participation and the application process. Mardi Gras Reveler Experience tickets go on sale Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10am ET. Information on pricing will be published prior to onsale. 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. Friday, Feb. 28 – Tuesday, March 4 – Le Festival de Mardi Gras à Lafayette – Cajun Field, Lafayette.Carnival rides and games, live music, food vendors, and parades roll through the festival Bacchus Bash (March 2, 2025): Krewe of Bacchus throws a big all-day Mardi Gras block party on Super Sunday (the Sunday before Mardi Gras) featuring live music, DJs, and VIP open bar ticket options to celebrate their historic parade. Pricing ranges from $75-600. The Twin Cities’ Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras parade will celebrate its 42nd year of Mardi Gras tradition and flavor in the Twin Cities in 2025. The Twin Cities' Krewe of Janus Parade has entertained revelers since 1984 who eagerly gather along the 3.8-mile route through West Monroe and Monroe. 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. There’s nothing quite like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. One of the world’s most iconic celebrations – and definitely one of the most well-known experiences in New Orleans – Mardi Gras is a mix of parades, music, food, and local culture that takes over the city for an experience like no other. Mardi Gras Reveler Experience participants will have a front row view of our authentic New Orleans celebration with traditional floats, dazzling lights, rockin’ tunes and lots of beads. The Mardi Gras Reveler Experience takes place during The Big Parade, daily at 6pm. The Mardi Gras Reveler Experience ticket go on sale Friday, August 1, 2025. _ Celebrate Mardi Gras in style with Mobile's vibrant parades, live music, and rich traditions! Parades start February 14th—discover event schedules and everything you need to enjoy the best Mardi Gras experience in Mobile, Alabama 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.
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