The height of Carnival season is here, and it's time for New Orleans' iconic Mardi Gras floats to hit the streets. Before the drinks start flowing and the party gets into full swing, it's a good There are many amazing, magical and spectacular aspects of Mardi Gras parades; however, the bathroom situation is not one of them. Whether you’re enjoying Mardi Gras punch in a to-go cup, locally brewed craft beer or even water, eventually you’re going to need to search for a restroom. There’s many awesome, magical and spectacular things about the Mardi Gras parades. However, one of the not so awesome things about Mardi Gras is the bathroom situation. Whether you’re enjoying daiquiris or locally brewed beers or even just water, eventually you’re going to need to use a restroom. Kern Studios, the world leader in float creation, has been a part of Mardi Gras history since 1932. Now the family-owned and operated business designs and builds floats for festivals and celebrations all over the world. The enormous chamber holds more than Mardi Gras floats; around them are beautiful or beautifully grotesque figures brighter and generally larger than life. and how krewes deal with bathroom First time riding in a Mardi Gras Parade. 2023 was my first time riding in a Mardi Gras parade, and the whole experience was so much fun! I love all Mardi Gras celebrations, but riding in a parade is special. The best way to ensure you have a great experience is to grab a few friends and take over a float! This weekend, thousands will flock downtown for the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade. Expect a sea of pink flamingos, tons of mischief and a few risque moments as the krewes roll t his Saturday, March 1. Starting at noon, a collection of marching groups and around 75 floats will travel along Spanish Town Road. For anyone who has ever wondered how the giant floats featured in Mardi Gras parades are created, Mardi Gras World in New Orleans offers a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and craftsmanship b Meet the family behind the famous Mardi Gras floats. 04:56. TODAY anchors take a tasty whirlwind trip around New Orleans. 08:11. 3rd Hour of TODAY kicks off Mardi Gras in New Orleans. 04:22. As Mardi Gras approaches in New Orleans, maskers and parades take center stage 1 of 8 | New Orleans has the largest and best-known Carnival celebrations in the U.S. where the Krewe of Muses, an all female krewe, has become famous for their custom-made, bedazzled shoes that krewe members hand out during the parade. Mardi Gras floats are typically made from a combination of materials, including fiberglass, Styrofoam, papier-mâché, and various types of paint and adhesives. Modern floats also incorporate technological elements like LED lighting, hydraulics, and even advanced materials like carbon fiber. How much do Mardi Gras floats cost? Mardi Gras happens every year. It's the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday starts Lent for Christians. Lent is when people give things up. Mardi Gras is a big party before that. 'Mardi Gras' is French, and it means 'Fat Tuesday. Individuals tend to consume rich foods during the festival. This is because they will fast throughout Lent. With Rex, Zulu, doubloons, flambeaus, and king cake, Mardi Gras may sound confusing, but we’ve created the ultimate guide to help you understand all things Mardi Gras. Book your trip and head on down to New Orleans for the greatest and most historic celebration on earth. Their costumes, floats, some of their throws, and their "official" Mardi Gras poster (if they have one) reflect this theme. For example, after 9/11, patriotic themes were popular. Most of the krewes are named after figures from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythology, but some are named after the neighborhood where they parade. Floats in the Rex parade roll along St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day, Feb. 20, 2007,, in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is the second Mardi Gras celebration since Hurricane Katrina devasted the You do NOT have to visit the French Quarter to enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans like us locals do. Be careful. If you visit the French Quarter at night during Mardi Gras, hide your wallets well. Even your front pocket isn't safe. Wear shoes that can get dirty. Don't wear expensive jewelry, and don't carry a purse. Consider them a Mardi Gras offering. Costumes Are Encouraged (and Sometimes Required) If you’re not in a wig, sequins, or at least a feather boa, are you even doing Mardi Gras right? And on Mardi Gras day wear a heavy coat, shorts, tank top and sneakers because the weather changes from winter wonderland to summer by noon.- Tamsy Kambi You do NOT have to visit the French Quarter to enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans like us locals do. Be careful. If you visit the French Quarter at night during Mardi Gras, hide your wallets well. Even your front pocket isn't safe. Wear shoes that can get dirty. Don't wear expensive jewelry, and don't carry a purse. Mobile, Alabama’s Cowbellians deRakin Society sponsored a New Year’s Eve parade in 1957 that featured only two floats, but the Mistick Krewe of Comus sponsored New Orleans’ first Mardi Gras parade in 1857 with only two floats. Boats were decorated with flowers and other ornamentation for the Lord Mayor’s Show on the River Thames, but Downtown Pensacola boasts two Mardi Gras Parades, the Illuminated Parade on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and the Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday at 2 p.m. Fun tip: If you love the Mardi Gras floats, head to Spring street early to get a closer look! The street is closed, but be mindful that floats are being pulled in and out, so be on the
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |