Understanding local rules is vital for a responsible and secure Mardi Gras experience. Non-compliance with Mardi Gras regulations can lead to fines, legal ramifications, and disruption of the festivities. Understanding Parade Routes and Areas. New Orleans comes alive during Mardi Gras with a multitude of parades winding through the city’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans is considered a SEAR 1 event, which is a rating of special events based on risk-assessment, meaning that the event will receive federal interagency support. The city of At least a million more people will be celebrating Mardi Gras, the city’s biggest tourist draw annually, less than a month later. For Mardi Gras, a new safety designation. Image. People also visit New Orleans thanks to its lively musical scene, found in the many jazz and blues bars, and its stunning nightlife. The nightlife gets even better during Mardi Gras, one big street party that takes over the city. But while this storied city is rich in history, culture, and nightlife, is New Orleans safe to visit? Mardi Gras Is A Month Long Celebration Across New Orleans. Mardi Gras isn’t just a one-day affair—it’s on February 13th this year. The celebrations last for weeks before that. Leading up to Mardi Gras day, there are parades with giant floats all over town, along with over the top balls, extravganzas and concerts. It’s kind of magical Mardi Gras is a season all about revelry, excess, and snatching as many bedazzled high-heels, coconuts, captain’s hats, shrimp boots, and grails from mid-air as one’s arms can carry. But just Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a time for no-holds-barred celebration — but the holiday also sparks fears over crime and fatalities, considering past years’ deaths. Each spring, over 1 million visitors flock to New Orleans for Carnival, more than quadrupling the city’s population in a manner of days. Mardi Gras. If you're visiting during Mardi Gras, be prepared for large crowds and increased security measures. While it's generally safe, it pays to be extra cautious: Stick with your group; Have a meet-up plan in case you get separated; Be prepared for cell phone service to be spotty due to high usage; Watch your alcohol intake; Mardi Gras Safety Mardi Gras officially kicked off in the city on Jan. 6 and runs through Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, on March 4. Between now and Fat Tuesday, about 40 parades are planned. Banned from parade routes NEW ORLEANS — While locals and tourists get ready for Mardi Gras parades, local law enforcement will once again receive additional resources from federal agencies.“Plans we executed for the For example, during past Mardi Gras celebrations, the increased police presence has been instrumental in quickly resolving minor disturbances and preventing larger-scale incidents. Crowd Management and Control Strategies. Effective crowd management is critical for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of Mardi Gras participants. This detailed overview will explore the key events, the economic impact, tourist information, safety measures, and the significant community involvement that makes Mobile’s Mardi Gras so special. Mardi Gras 2025 in Mobile, AL Orpheus (Monday before Mardi Gras): Known for creative floats and sought-after throws like four-foot stuffed dragons and custom-decorated tambourines. Zulu (Mardi Gras Day): Beloved for its unique throws, including the iconic hand-decorated coconuts. Rex (Mardi Gras Day): One of the oldest and most traditional parades, featuring a regal Mardi Gras means large crowds, and during a parade, it’s not uncommon to be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers for hours at a time. This is the perfect opportunity for petty theft. Pickpockets are known to wreak havoc during Mardi Gras Season. In 2017, a “highly intoxicated” driver drove a vehicle into a crowd during the Krewe of Endymion Mardi Gras parade, injuring 28 people, mostly cyclists. Multiple people were pinned under the “Houma has one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in Louisiana. You’ll find that a Houma Mardi Gras is full of Cajun hospitality along with safe, economical, family-friendly events. King cake: A delectable treat that’s only available during the Mardi Gras season–more on that in a minute. Mardi Gras: French for Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras day is the final day of festivities for the carnival season. Lundi Gras: French for Fat Monday. As you can probably guess, it’s the day before Mardi Gras day. Laissez les bons temps rouler. Tourist Safety Advice. Enjoying Mardi Gras safely requires a proactive approach. Staying aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables secure, and designating a meeting point with your group are simple yet effective strategies. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas, particularly at night. 12 Helpful Tips to Keep You Safe During Carnival. Mardi Gras is a glorious time for New Orleans: merriment, laughter, and spectacle abound all around. With all of the floats, throws, and music, it can be dazzling and intoxicating. The date of Mardi Gras varies each year, as it is tied to the Christian liturgical calendar, marking the final day before the solemn season of fasting and penance begins. Typically, Mardi Gras falls on the Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday. What sets Mardi Gras apart from other carnival celebrations is its unique blend of cultures.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |