The Zulu parade is always the first thing on the day of Mardi Gras, traversing through uptown New Orleans on Tuesday morning. The krewe also throws a massive Lundi Gras Festival on Monday at Woldenberg Park that's free and open to all, featuring live music, delicious Cajun food, and the presentation of the parade characters. Parades commemorating Mardi Gras officially began in 1838. By 1857, they’d attracted so much drunkenness and violence that city officials wanted to ban them. The Cowbellion de Rakin Society proposed forming a private club that would stage its own parade as an orderly alternative. Today, more than 70 krewes parade through New Orleans on Mardi Day Parades . 1. Rex. For 146 of the city’s 300 years Rex has been around setting standards for the carnival and enriching Mardi Gras as it is imitated across the continent. This is the classic Mardi Gras parade at its best done by a krewe that does things right. Rex always uses original design to carry across a usually literary theme. The first ball was held in 1857 by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. Comus hosted the first parade, followed by Rex in 1872, which debuted the king of Mardi Gras. The Rex parade gave Mardi Gras the official colors of purple to represent justice, green to represent faith, and gold to represent power. The three colors were to represent the “king.” The Mardi Gras Experience Beyond Parades. No Mardi Gras experience is complete without indulging in a slice (or three) of King Cake. This colorful treat is a staple of Carnival season, decorated in the iconic purple, green, and gold sugar that represents justice, faith, and power. Krewe of Bacchus â February 10, 2024. Next up, it's the Krewe of Bacchus, one of the biggest and most famous parades of the season.This one's got massive floats, tons of celebrities, and some of the best throws (that's Mardi Gras speak for stuff they toss from the floats). Mardi Gras 2025 in New Orleans: a preview of all parades, with dates and maps The 2025 New Orleans Carnival season starts on Saturday, Jan. 6, and concludes on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, March 4. +9 This means that the weekend when the major New Orleans Mardi Gras parades will be taking place is on the last weekend of February, which is, more specifically, from Feb. 28 through March 2. Youngsville Mardi Gras Parade. March 1 at 11 a.m. Youngsville. Queen Evangeline’s Parade. March 3 at 6 p.m. Downtown Lafayette to Cajun Field. King Gabriel’s Parade. March 4 at 10 a.m. Downtown Lafayette to Cajun Field. Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade. March 4 at 1 p.m. Downtown Lafayette to Cajun Field. Lafourche Parish parades Shorty Gras—the Krewe of Freret’s annual post-parade party—takes place on February 22 at Mardi Gras World and features performances by Ja Rule, Juvenile, The Soul Rebels, and of course Check out events like ‘Krewe of Barkus,’ where pet owners can dress up their dogs in themed costumes—a delightful day out for animal lovers. Tips for Attending Mardi Gras 2025. Attending Mardi Gras can be overwhelming due to large crowds and busy schedules; hence planning ahead is crucial. Consider booking accommodations early since Great question! Here's a quick list: a comfortable folding chair, plenty of snacks and water, sunscreen, a portable phone charger, and a bag to hold all your throws. Also, cash is king at Mardi Gras, so hit the ATM before you head out. Can I bring my kids to Mardi Gras parades? Absolutely! Mardi Gras is a family-friendly event. 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. This year, Mardi Gras is Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras parades. Mardi Gras parades are the highlight of the season. Staged by "krewes"—Carnival organizations—these parades range from small The best parade is the one you’re at. You can’t be everywhere in New Orleans at once. All of Mardi Gras is a parade. The best Mardi Gras parades are free. Mardi Gras is the biggest and bestest free show on earth. The whole city celebrates it, every man, woman, and child. You may wonder why I’m not illustrating this article with pictures Fat Tuesday parades kick off at 10:30 a.m. with the Order of Athena, the only women’s group to parade on Mardi Gras in Mobile, and conclude with the city’s oldest continuous Mardi Gras When is Mardi Gras 2025? This year, Mardi Gras, which translates from French to "Fat Tuesday," is on March 4. Ash Wednesday is on March 5, the day marking the start of the 40-day Lenten season Downtown Pensacola boasts two Mardi Gras Parades, the Illuminated Parade on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and the Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday at 2 p.m. Fun tip: If you love the Mardi Gras floats, head to Spring street early to get a closer look! The street is closed, but be mindful that floats are being pulled in and out, so be on the 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. To ensure you have the best time at the Fairhope Mardi Gras parades, please be aware of all “No Parking” signs, “Handicap Only Parking,” or blocking of driveways or businesses. Violators will be towed at the owner’s expense. After the Fairhope Mardi Gras parades are over, it can be especially difficult to get back on the main roads.
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