Knights of Revelry parade down Royal Street in Mobile during the 2010 Mardi Gras season. In 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to New Orleans, founded in 1718. [33] The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with Bernard de Marigny funding the first organized parade, tableau, and ball. 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. 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 In many areas, however, Mardi Gras has evolved into a week-long festival. Mardi Gras 2025 will fall on Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras in New Orleans Came from a Secret Society 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 Carnival season there opens on Twelfth Night (also called Epiphany, which is observed on January 6) and climaxes with the Mardi Gras festivities commencing 10 days before Shrove Tuesday. This period is filled with citywide revelry and elaborate parades, both day and night, building up to Mardi Gras and the Rex parade. Everything you need to know about Mardi Gras, including updated parade routes, traditions, the best places to get Mardi Gras beads, masks, king cakes and more Carriers with lit flambeaux on Napoleon Avenue, just before the start of a parade, 2007. One of the many Mardi Gras throws which krewes fling into the crowds, doubloons are large coins, either wood or metal, made in Mardi Gras colors. Artist H. Alvin Sharpe created the modern doubloon for The School of Design (the actual name of the Rex 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. In 2025, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras—just one of the festival’s many names—is marked by raucous parties and parades, revelers wearing elaborate costumes, and delicious Saturday, Feb. 15 – Rayne Mardi Gras Parade & After Party – The Parade runs on The Boulevard and the After Party is at 206 Frog Festival Drive, Gossen Memorial Park in Rayne. 2-7 p.m 1:00 p.m. – Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade; 2:00 p.m. – Independent Parade; Mardi Gras Day Street Closures. All streets in and around the parade route will close one hour before the start of the first parade and remain closed until the final parade has concluded and the area is cleared of pedestrians and vehicles. Crossover Intersections Join the family-friendly fun of Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ 9th annual Mardi Gras Festival—now bigger and better than ever! Experience the sights, sounds, tastes, and colorful beads of New Orleans’ world-famous famous celebration right here in San Antonio. The Festival will wrap with the world famous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 1 March 2025. Festival theme: Free to be. The 2025 Festival theme Free to be is a celebration of the strides toward true LGBTQIA+ equality while also acting as a global reminder that our fight is far from over, and that we are not truly free until we are all free 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. "Join us for the vibrant LA Festival de Mardi Gras from February 28 to March 4, 2025, at Cajun Field! Experience lively celebrations, delicious food, and unforgettable entertainment. Don't miss out on the festivities—explore the full schedule and get ready to celebrate!" The Krewe of Bacchus rolls along the Uptown parade route in New Orleans on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Pete Fountain's Half-Fast Walking Club marches for their 60th year during Mardi Gras on St 12th Night Fords Gin Scavenger Hunt Cajun Cook-Off Run For Your Beads 5K Verizon Taste of Soulard Purina Pet Parade Tito’s Vodka Wiener Dog Derby Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball Bud Light Grand Parade Bud Light Party Tent Carnival Tent Sunset Hills Subaru Blues Alumni Experience Underdog Party Zone BOS Family Winter Carnival and Shoebox Float Gallery This annual Carnival ball/music festival at Mardi Gras World follows the Krewe of Freret parade. The festivities include performances by Ja Rule, Soul Rebels, New Breed Brass Band, special guest 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, Mardi Gras Day – The Independent Parade is scheduled to begin following the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade. Mardi Gras Day Street Closures
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() |