Mardi Gras in New Orleans is quite the spectacle - but there are a lot of hidden secrets and behind-the-scenes magic that bring the celebration to life. Ever wondered what the most coveted throws of Carnival are, or why an array of colorful ladders line St. Charles Avenue? Learn all about Mardi Gras in New Orleans with these 12 fun facts. Mardi Gras Indians may be one of the most mysterious aspects of New Orleans Mardi Gras, particularly for visitors to the city. Tribes were formed by African American communities who were excluded from traditional parades and krewes, and they typically poke fun at krewe royalty and governing structures. When is the best time to go to Mardi Gras? It is fun to be in New Orleans throughout the Mardi Gras season, but the biggest celebrations and parades begin one week before Mardi Gras Day. A marathon of parades and super-krewes roll every single night. Mardi Gras in New Orleans: what to eat, drink and do. Located in the Marigny, the hotel is not far from the French Quarter but offers a peaceful retreat after all the fun. It's also a great New Orleans is cranking up the volume for Mardi Gras 2025, and there’s excitement in the air for what is often hailed as the greatest free show on earth. This iconic festival, culminating on Tuesday, March 4, is deeply rooted in Christian and Roman Catholic traditions but has evolved into a secular celebration. Bonus Fun Fact: Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in Louisiana, and has been since 1875, when Governor Warmoth signed the Mardi Gras Act. 2. Your Dog Will Love Mardi Gras. Dogs just want to have fun! And that’s what they get at their very own parades in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Northshore and more! These animal-dedicated parades show off the Mardi Gras in New Orleans In the heart of New Orleans, where jazz notes linger and the aroma of delectable treats fills the air, King Cakes stand as symbols of joy, unity, and indulgence. These oval-shaped wonders, adorned in royal hues of purple, green, and gold, carry profound significance, symbolizing justice, growth, prosperity, and wealth The famous, elaborate floats from Mardi Gras festivities actually date back to 1857, according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. Though 1857 marked the first time these colorful floats were a part of the New Orleans Mardi Gras parades, street processions were already a tradition. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is arguably the best party you'll find in the United States. Every year over a million people travel to New Orleans to join in the fun during Carnival season, which begins on January 6, known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night, and lasts until Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday." Mardi Gras fun Rubber Duck Float When to Visit for Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Where to Stay. Mardi Gras is not just a day! Well, not really. It is a whole season and parades start in early January reaching a crescendo of fun on Fat Tuesday. Keep this in mind when planning your trip that the week leading up to Mardi Gras day is the climax. New Orleans is the home of jazz, so we couldn’t create a list of things to do at Mardi Gras in New Orleans without mentioning the smooth, sultry music itself! You’ll find plenty of jazz played on the streets during Mardi Gras, but you can also head to several popular bars to experience live jazz nights during the entire two-week period Twelfth Night, January 6. While Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) is February 25 this year, the festivities actually begin much earlier. The fun begins on Twelfth Night, January 6, the official start of Mardi Gras, and around 70 parades follow in February.
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