Mardi Gras is an integral part of the culture of New Orleans - like Loup mentioned, his mother-in-law participated for more than 50 years. This isn't *just* a big party, it is a cultural event spanning weeks with lots of parades, balls, and other events that go on. Despite what you might have heard, Mardi Gras actually is a family-friendly event. Image courtesy of Mills Baker via Flickr. 2. Carnival Veterans Go Long, Not Hard. Given that Mardi Gras is the culmination of a month-long party, any skillful local will avoid drinking the whole keg in a single night. According to the History Channel, Mardi Gras first came to the United States “when the French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville camped about 60 miles downriver from the future site of New Orleans. Knowing it was Fat Tuesday back in France, Iberville named the spot Point du Mardi Gras and held a small gala. The Krewe of Orpheus Parade rolls on Monday, which is known as Lundi Gras, according to Mardi Gras New Orleans, an online hub for holiday happenings around the city. Is it worth going to Mardi Gotta disagree here. Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras Day are the best time to visit Bourbon -- great costumes, lots of people having fun, etc. It usually isn't shoulder to shoulder those days except maybe at night, and in certain 1/2 block areas. The weekend before Mardi Gras all the action is on this route, but Lundi and Mardi Gras most of the action is downtown. Uptown parades (the ones on St. Charles) are the ones with the big elaborate floats that throw all the beads, downtown parades (usually start in the Marigny but go through parts of the French Quarter, Treme and Bywater) are The weekend before Mardi Gras all the action is on this route, but Lundi and Mardi Gras most of the action is downtown. Uptown parades (the ones on St. Charles) are the ones with the big elaborate floats that throw all the beads, downtown parades (usually start in the Marigny but go through parts of the French Quarter, Treme and Bywater) are No matter where you go for Mardi Gras, you will surely have a memorable time. Whether you’re partying on Bourbon Street in New Orleans or taking in the sights and sounds of Rio’s Carnival, Mardi Gras is a holiday about fun and celebration. ⚫ The Darker Side of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a celebration of life, love, and happiness. Mardi Gras isn't the time to hold back and throw on jeans and a t-shirt. It might even be time to go on a shopping spree. Have fun with it. Where to stay during Mardi Gras. If it's your first Mardi Gras, you're likely going to want to be in the middle of all the action — as you should be. Zulu and Rex (March 4, Mardi Gras Day): These iconic parades roll back-to-back, marking the grand finale of the Carnival season. What To Eat And Other Things To Consider. No Mardi Gras experience is complete without indulging in king cake, the essential snack of the season. I wanted to know if it's worth going to the Mardi Gras parade? I don't have a float (only just found out those were a thing) and don't drink/am not into parties, but I've never been to a Mardi Gras parade and would probably feel like a bad LGBT+ person if I don't go. 📍 New Orleans, Louisiana. Ahh, Mardi Gras. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in Louisiana, you’re probably well aware of this extravagant festival. Every year, an approximate 1.5 million people celebrate Carnival Season in The Big Easy, pumping an already vibrant city with an intense level of vibrancy emanating from excited tourists. This was not the greatest time to go, since the Mardi Gras parade was only a few weeks ago, but there was still quite a bit to see. Make sure you see the video before going through the warehouse, or you won't be able to appreciate the work and history that goes into the floats. Some people refer to Carnival and Mardi Gras interchangeably, although Carnival technically stretches the whole season from January 6th to Fat Tuesday, while Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday itself. No matter when Fat Tuesday falls in a given year, there is an entire Carnival season leading up to it, filled with weeks of parades, parties, and Mardi Gras is the greatest holiday ever imo and a yearly reminder of why I live here. It's worth going and buying a shitty cheap bike for the few days you will be 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth; 817-585-1010; 3785 S. Cooper St., Arlington; 817-419-9988. Tricky Fish celebrates Mardi Gras with live music. March 4 is the last day of Tricky Fish’s Mardi Gras celebration, which features crawfish for $10 a pound, boudin balls and all-day happy hours with hurricanes and painkiller cocktails for $3. Everyone wants king cake during Mardi Gras, but not all are worth the hype. Superior Seafood is my uptown Mardi Gras staple. To-go drinks while on the route and a 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. MARDI GRAS PARADES. Schedule & Routes; Mardi Gras Krewes; Marching Clubs; Mardi Gras Floats; WHEN IS MARDI GRAS? Mardi Gras 2025; Future Mardi Gras Dates; Family Gras; Lundi Gras; PLAN YOUR VISIT. Mardi Gras Dining; Mardi Gras Packages; Mardi Gras Attractions; Mardi Gras Tips; Mardi Gras FAQs; New Orleans Hotels; New Orleans Info; HISTORY Speaking of "All On a Mardi Gras Day," that’s an actual song, as performed by the Wild Magnolias – a Mardi Gras Indian tribe that doubles as a funk ensemble. There’s an entire genre of New Orleans music known as Carnival music that ranges from brass band favorites to funk to hip-hop; these playlists , put together by local music stewards
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