Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
To really get into the Mardi Gras spirit, you can watch NOLA.com’s live parade cam to watch all of the action on New Orleans' most iconic streets. Watch Buckjumping on Prime Video Mardi Gras is truly a citywide celebration, and you’ll find everything from quirky, satirical floats pulled by horses in Krewe du Vieux (warning: the themes of this parade are definitely risque and meant for adults only), to the North Side Skull and Bones Gang who roam the streets of the Treme beginning at dawn every Mardi Gras morning. In medieval Europe, especially in France and Italy, the mardi gras culture began. People would eat rich foods and celebrate before Lent. The name Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French, the last day of feasting before Lent. “Carnival is a time of joyous celebration before the spiritual reflection of Lent.” – Historical Carnival Of all the American cities to throw one last celebration before Lent, New Orleans is the best known, thanks to its full-throated carnival on “Fat Tuesday,” or Mardi Gras. Culture Trip takes a look at the traditions and quirks of this famous festival to give you a better understanding of just how integral it is to Louisiana culture. From practical advice about comfortable footwear to insider secrets (including one award-winning chef's sage advice about what you should never drink before 9 a.m. on Mardi Gras Day), these locals share their hard-earned tips to help you celebrate like a true New Orleanian. If you’ve ever wondered what it's like to celebrate Mardi Gras like a New Orleans local, then you’re in luck, since we've got the scoop on what it's really like to celebrate in Louisiana. Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans Mardi Gras is about music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement. It's one big holiday in New Orleans! Revelers know to wear costumes or at least dress in purple, green, and gold, and adorn themselves with long beads caught from the floats of previous parades. In 2025, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras—just one of the festival’s many names—is marked by raucous parties and parades, revelers wearing elaborate costumes, and delicious Speaking of, if you want something savory to go with that king cake, peruse our recipes for favorite Mardi Gras foods (think jambalaya, boudin balls, and po’ boys). Or maybe you need some funny puns for your Mardi Gras Instagram captions (“Mardi gras, party gras!”). But first, read on for the top 10 Mardi Gras traditions, from the Mardi Gras What To Do. Mardi Gras is a festive occasion that is celebrated in many different ways. Some people may choose to attend parades, while others may opt for more low-key celebrations. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you are safe and have a good time. Mardi Gras: A French Tradition With A Rich History Check when Mardi Gras celebrations will be happening this year. Mardi Gras takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday, in late February or early March. Since this holiday falls on a different day each year, check your calendar ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss it. In 2023, Mardi Gras will take place on February 21. “Le soir de Mardi gras, il faut danser sur les fumiers pour avoir des navets.” (On Mardi Gras night, you must dance on the manure to get turnips..) “Mardi gras sous la pluie, l’hiver s’enfuit.” (Mardi Gras is in the rain; winter is running away.) “Quand Mardi gras est là alors enlevez vos balances et faites vos crêpes.” Insider Tips for Mardi Gras 2025 Do I need Mardi Gras Tickets? No need to buy Mardis Gras tickets! The parades and celebrations are completely free. If you’d prefer to watch from the stands, you can purchase tickets to reserve a seat, but it’s not necessary — you can enjoy every parade without spending a dime. Seats are mainly recommended Latin American Mardi Gras Celebrations. If you celebrate Mardi Gras back home, you know this holiday is full of flashy costumes, savory foods, live music, and all the dancing you can imagine! Like in New Orleans and Venice; Latin American Mardi Gras celebrations also go above and beyond in being memorable to those who attend. Other parts of Louisiana don’t celebrate Mardi Gras exactly like the city folk do. In Acadia, also known as Cajun Country, there is a different kind of event . Men (and yes, only men) dress up in elaborate masked costumes and go from home to home begging for food. Several Mardi Gras activities are work friendly. Some good ideas include a parade viewing party, bead toss, and costume contest. You can consider making the Mardi Gras activities inclusive and adaptable to the remote setting when necessary. How do you celebrate Madi Gras at the office? In Canada, Mardi Gras is celebrated in a number of different ways. Some people celebrate by going to parades, while others hold Mardi Gras parties. Some of the most popular Mardi Gras celebrations in Canada take place in the cities of Toronto and Montreal. In contrast to other cities, Quebec City marks its own version of Mardi Gras. Whether you celebrate Mardi Gras for its connection to Christian traditions, its cultural significance, or simply for the fun and revelry, it remains an enduring and beloved festival. In places like New Orleans, Mardi Gras has become a symbol of the city’s identity, representing unity, diversity, and the joy of living life to the fullest. As Like some other national celebrations, Mardi Gras goes by a couple of different names. You may have heard the term Fat Tuesday thrown around, and probably wondered how the two names correlate. Well, simply put: Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French. ("Mardi" is the French word for Tuesday and "gras" means fat.)
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |