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 New Orleans is a blast during Mardi Gras, but a lot of restaurants are fully booked or closed, many businesses in general close or get extremely packed, especially anything on a parade route. So if you're planning on going to certain restaurants or see certain attractions, it may be difficult. Don’t plan on vacationing in New Orleans during Mardi Gras unless you are coming specifically for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is also the worst time to experience the "real New Orleans" as the entire city is centered around the parades. Most restaurants and attractions will be closed and there will be insanely long wait times for the ones that are 📍 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. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a unique cultural extravaganza with vibrant parades, music, and food. While it offers an unforgettable experience, it also comes with challenges like large crowds, potential safety concerns, and increased costs. As the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras beads drape the streets of New Orleans, the allure of this iconic celebration is undeniable. But is Mardi Gras in New Orleans truly worth the hype? From the elaborate parades to the pulsating rhythms of jazz, the city comes alive with a contagious energy during this annual festival. [] Very literally speaking, Mardi Gras is a day, Fat Tuesday, March 4 in 2014. Carnival is the season that ends on Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Being entirely too literal, but for the sake of example, saying Mardi Gras day is redundant, like saying Fat Tuesday day. Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Definitely worth the money for an afternoon or morning of fun and Want to see what Loft 19 is all about on the Carnival Mardi Gras? Wondering if it's a good fit for you? Let's tour it together and help decide! Excel Suit Is the family harbor worth the extra costs on Mardi Gras We pushed forward a cruise by 8 months because our youngest will be over 5 and able to partake in camp ocean. No more connecting cabins on this newer sailing. So we are wondering if the family harbor suite in the family harbor area is worth the extra few hundred dollars. The Mardi Gras is 40% larger, and has more dining options if you like options. It also has a more upscale look/feel to it. The rooms on Mardi Gras are nice,looking, but the Magic's rooms are a bit bigger. If you want the latest and greatest, Mardi Gras is the way to go. If you want tried and true, Magic is a safe bet. I enjoyed the convenience and loved not having to deal with crowds, but not sure if it would be worth it for me to book there again - at least not on the Mardi Gras. SNJCruisers Posted January 29, 2022 For what it’s worth, no way in hell I’d attempt to drive around in Mardi Gras traffic, especially in the quarter, much less as a tourist. And if you’re drinking, don’t even consider it. Find alternate methods like walking or biking if you can, because Uber probably isn’t going to be very fast or efficient either. A group of my girlfriends and I are traveling down to NOLA for our first Mardi Gras.We are staying at Hotel Mazarin in the French Quarter off of Bourbon St. We were thinking of purchasing grandstand tickets along St Charles Ave & Poydras St for Fat Tuesday (Rex & Zulu). Worth noting, I'm a chef by trade (but have been out of the kitchen for about 6 years now, still in the industry). It was one of the most memorable things we've done on a Carnival cruise. This was years ago on the Valor but it was fantastic from start to finish. The day pass on carnival is $45 lol that's why I was thinking $150 for 8 days isn't bad. My mom was thinking about getting it as well. I've only been on 2 cruises (1 as an adult and 1 as a 10yr old) but I don't remember going to any of the shows. I'm more of a relax kinda person vs trying to do a million activities I want to try it but the price just seems to be predatory. It seems they have resumed it to two laps which makes it more palatable. I have one more Carnival cruise scheduled and debating between the Mardi Gras or trying NCL, these damn casino deals just makes Carnival so cheap.
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