In Greek mythology, Bacchus is the god of wine and vegetation—and they host a celebration fitting of its namesake god. Mardi Gras balls were exclusive events closed off from most people outside of New Orleans society until this krewe revolutionized the event. In 1949, Edward Brennan Sr. created the krewe, a carnival Ball open to tourists. Early Mardi Gras Balls . Mardi Gras balls have been around since Louisiana was a French colony. Just as we do today, Creole society kicked off the season on Twelfth Night with the King’s Ball (the Bal de Roi). The highlight of the evening was the cutting of the King Cake (the Gateau des Rois). The first Mardi Gras celebration was in 1703, in Mobile, Alabama.The Mardi Gras festival was introduced to New Orleans years later. “It was in 1857 that the Mobile members of the Cowbellian de Rakin Society, formed in 1830, traveled to New Orleans and assisted with the formation of the Krewe of Comus, considered New Orleans’ most Krewe d'Etat, Le - New Orleans - heeds only edicts from their Dictator, whose identity is never revealed, and claim the streets of New Orleans annually and present a parade without peer on the Friday before Mardi Gras, or "Fat Friday" as it is now known. Le Krewe d'Etat emerged in 1996 as the preeminent krewe and now boasts numerous floats with Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. The French Opera House was a popular venue for Mardi Gras balls in the late 1800s. See where balls are hosted today. By World War I, most New Orleans Carnival balls were held there, and it Mardi Gras Past and Present Traditions from the past that live on today. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in New Orleans since the explorer Iberville first set foot here on Mardi Gras Day 1699. In French colonial days, wealthy members of Creole society threw lavish Mardi Gras balls from Twelfth Night (Jan. 6) to Fat Tuesday Eve. 7. Come face-to-face with a Mardi Gras Indian on Mardi Gras day. Tracing their roots back to a time when Native Americans helped shield runaway slaves, the Mardi Gras Masking Indians can be found parading down the streets on Mardi Gras day in their spectacular hand-sewn suits. 8. Take in the Bourbon Street Awards Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, which takes place March 4, marks the party’s climax and the end of Carnival Season on the Gulf Coast. The conclusion falls the day before Ash Wednesday and is seen as a final day of feasting and revelry before the solemnity of Lent. Mardi Gras Dates New Orleans’ BIG annual event, Mardi Gras, is always the day before Ash Wednesday which itself is always forty days before Easter (excluding Sundays). But to simplify matters for carnival historians–and for those eager to partake in the revelries to come–here is a list of dates for Mardi Gras celebrations back to 1947 as well as for the years through 2050. Pass a good Founded in 1933, the Krewe of Mid-City is the 5th-oldest continuously parading organization of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Often called "The best day parade in Mardi Gras," Mid-City has gained a reputation for having themes dedicated to children and for having some of the best bands in Mardi read more » Mardi Gras balls were exclusive events closed off from most people outside of New Orleans society until this krewe revolutionized the event. In 1949, Edward Brennan Sr. created the krewe, a carnival Ball open to tourists. High-society balls involve rituals and protocols that hark back Europe’s pre-Enlightenment, tradition-bound ancien régime.In the 19th century, especially after the Civil War, members of elite Carnival organizations — seeking to evoke a world of romance and chivalry as a tonic for the social and political upheaval of Reconstruction — began acting out aristocratic fantasies by carrying on 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. While writing New Orleans Carnival Balls: The Secret Side of Mardi Gras, 1870-1920, I came to understand that my experiences echo the transatlantic, multicultural nature of New Orleans Mardi Gras, one that is both unique to the city (its geographical location, history, and people) while also global in scale, infusing ideas from Europe, West Founded in 1933, the Krewe of Mid-City is the 5th-oldest continuously parading organization of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Often called "The best day parade in Mardi Gras," Mid-City has gained a reputation for having themes dedicated to children and for having some of the best bands in Mardi read more » Most locals refer to Mardi Gras as the final two weekends of the celebration, when most of the parades and events take place. When to Visit for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. You can visit any time during Carnival (between January 6th and March 4th, 2025) to experience parades and festivities. Mardi Gras balls in New Orleans have a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the early 19th century. These secretive masquerade events have become an integral part of the city’s carnival celebrations and are organized by various social clubs known as “krewes.” Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. The throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored expectation for young and old alike. Read more.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |