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). 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. 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 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 Save this event: ENERGY! Mardi Gras Party Share this event: ENERGY! Mardi Gras Party Mardi Gras 2025 is Tuesday, March 4. We're counting down the minutes. As Mayor of the great City of New Orleans, I invite you to visit our city to experience the excitement of Mardi Gras!" The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. 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. Endymion Extravaganza, New Orleans, LA One of the world’s biggest indoor parties, the Endymion Extravaganza is the only party held in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome during Mardi Gras. Over 20,000 people dress up in formal gowns, tuxedos, and suits to take part in this Mardi Gras main event. New Orleans Social Clubs or Gentlemen's Clubs play a very large part in the Mardi Gras celebration. The oldest is The Boston Club (third oldest in the United States), founded in 1841 as a place for its members to congregate and partake in the fashionable card game of Boston , Rex Royalty is chosen from among its ranks. Eventbrite - DAD'S BALL presents DAD'S BALL V: Under A Big Top - New Orleans - Mardi Gras - 2025 - Saturday, March 1, 2025 | Sunday, March 2, 2025 at House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, New Orleans, LA. 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. 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. Share this event: 2025 Endless Night: New Orleans Vampire Ball Save this event: 2025 Endless Night: New Orleans Vampire Ball Mardi Gras Masquerade Wine Tasting with Roman Clarke Wines Sunday at 3:00 PM The Mystic Mardi Gras Krewe of The Lords of Leather, Inc. is the only leather-oriented Mardi Gras Krewe in the country — purportedly the world.A social organization based in New Orleans, Louisiana, our purpose is to function with “medieval” traditions as a leather-oriented Mardi Gras Krewe in addition to being a leather-oriented social club. In 1937, while America suffered through the Great Depression, a group of New Orleans businessman met to come up with a uniquely New Orleans’ solution to the city’s widespread woes: they decided to throw a party. 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 » This krewe knows how to have a BALL! Add great food, an open bar, live music, a Military Grog, the US Marine Corps Band, and a Presentation of the Royal Court in traditional Mardi Gras fashion It is one of the most unique Mardi Gras Balls and sells out each year! Friday, January 31, 2025 - 6:30pm-Midnight. Hyatt Regency - Celestine Ballroom SHAQUILLE O’NEAL TO REIGN AS BACCHUS LVI. Shaquille O’Neal will reign as Bacchus LVI on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The former LSU Tiger and four-time NBA champion, successful businessman, in-demand sports analyst, media personality, recording artist, DJ and humanitarian will be throwing miniature basketballs as well as King’s doubloons and cups. A-list stars have been spotted across New Orleans for parades and Mardi Gras balls. Here's the list. James Franco and 'White Lotus' star attend LGBTQ+ Mardi Gras ball New Orleans, LA 70130
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