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! Riding on a float in a Mardi Gras parade — bestowing coveted baubles into the outstretched hands of a jazzed crowd — can be quite a thrill. Fortunately for those with a yen to play Santa Claus, some parading krewes let outsiders join in the fun — for a price. If you are interested, now is the perfect time to contact a Mardi Gras Krewe to inquire about riding on a float. Many krewes are open to new participants, provided you are able to make a financial commitment. Veronika Bondarenko recounts her experience participating in the Krewe of Orpheus parade in New Orleans on Feb. 12. Ever since krewes began parading through New Orleans over 100 years ago, parade floats have played a major role in Mardi Gras history. Some floats are elaborate and beautiful, while others are funny and satirical. Many krewes have a theme to their parade each year, and so floats are created to reflect those themes. February in New Orleans is a time for celebration and community. For many Mardi Gras parade-goers, gazing up at the masked float-riders can be an experience both awe-worthy and full of envy. How much fun they must be having, throwing beads, trinkets, and toys to massive crowds vying for their attention. Riding on a float in a Mardi Gras parade — bestowing coveted baubles into the outstretched hands of a jazzed crowd — can be quite a thrill. Fortunately for those with a yen to play Santa Claus, some parading krewes let outsiders join in the fun — for a price. A ride Parades are a large component of the celebration. These parades feature floats. Individuals on the floats toss beads and other things to the audience. Individuals dress in costume and wear masks. Music is also a component of the celebration. It is a celebration where people get to have fun. Parade floats sometimes have unusual themes. Reporting for TODAY, NBC’s Kaylee Hartung shares a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic floats in Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans and the family behind its historic legacy. (Sponsored by New There will be plenty of parades in New Orleans leading up to Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. on March 4. Here's what you need to know. If you get a full one, bring it to school, the office or a nearby hospital or nursing home and have your own Mardi Gras parade. Tip: Bring a backpack or a pillowcase to the parades so you can carry your stuff back home or to the hotel. Be in the parade with exclusive float riding opportunities^ or 15% off^^ the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. Looking to catch beads instead? Passholders can watch the parade from a special viewing area † reserved just for them. Getting a Spot on the Mardi Gras Float in the Parade Yes, it is true, you can get a spot in the parade if you are lucky. The easiest way to do this is if you are a Passholder. Algiers Mardi Gras Parade and Festival. The Algiers Mardi Gras Parade and Festival will be back on Saturday, February 1 at New Orleans Federal City in Algiers. Entertainment will include Brass-A-Holics, Amanda Shaw, The U.S. Marine Reserve Jazz Band and more. The parade starts at 9 a.m. and the Festival begins at 10 a.m. However much it may seem that beads are an expression of status at Mardi Gras, like so much bling-bling on a rap star, don’t get so overloaded that you become a tangled mess and risk asphyxiation. And avoid sleeping with your beads on, or else you may need a pair of scissors in the morning to extricate yourself from a hopelessly intertwined Overview of Universal's Mardi Gras Parade. If you didn't know any better, you'd swear you're in New Orleans! Capturing the spirit and electricity of the Big Easy during Carnival season, the Universal Mardi Gras Parade is a family-friendly promenade through the streets of Universal Studios Florida featuring stilt walkers, brass-band musicians and, of course, world-class parade floats. The Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade is a one-of-a-kind celebration that brings the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras to the shores of the Gulf Coast. Founded in 2010, this family-friendly event takes place annually on the sandy beaches of North Padre Island, Texas, blending the lively traditions of Mardi Gras with the laid-back, barefoot lifestyle of Parades are a major part of celebrating Mardi Gras, and what's a parade without some really great floats? Ever since krewes began parading through New Orleans over 100 years ago, parade floats have played a major role in Mardi Gras history. Some floats are elaborate and beautiful, while others are funny and satirical. Plan your visit to Houma, and experience the joy, tradition, and culture of our unforgettable Mardi Gras celebration. Stay tuned to ExploreHouma.com for parade updates, route details, and everything you need to make the most of Mardi Gras 2025. Houma, it’s your time to shine—Mardi Gras season is here! Let’s celebrate Bayou Country style! How to Join the Mardi Gras Parade Float Ride Queue You can join the Mardi Gras Virtual Line via the official Universal Orlando Resort app on the day OF your trip. Make sure you have signed up for a Universal Orlando account, your park tickets are linked to the account, and you are logged in on the Universal Orlando app before 2:00PM.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |