Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year, we are in the thick of the 2025 Mardi Gras Season. Why do we love it so much? Well simply put, you must experience it for yourself. If you have never experienced a Mardi Gras parade you have been missing out. Although we are all about you going out As someone who didn't grow up climbing a ladder and yelling, "Throw me something, Mister!", my first Mardi Gras as a college student was a lot to wrap my head around. But the marked takeaway was undoubtedly how family-friendly it was. Parades are not Bourbon Street (read: no boobs). Carnival is generally geared towards kids. Mardi Gras Throws and Parade Etiquette: Don’t Just stand there! Beads aren’t just handed out to the quiet ones. If you want the good stuff, channel your inner performer and make some noise! But don’t fight for beads you can buy at Walmart. Unless they’re rare or super fancy, let ‘em go. - Tamsy Kambi Parade Etiquette. The cops won’t come for you if you break these unofficial “rules,” but if you want to keep the peace with fellow parade-goers, it’s a good idea to maintain good Mardi Gras etiquette. Bead Rule No. 1. This is one of the spoken rules — don’t pick up beads that have fallen on the street or ground. There are a couple The “official” Mardi Gras parade season always starts 11 days before Fat Tuesday, on a Friday. These are thematic parades featuring floats, marching bands, drill teams, flambeaux and other units. They’re named after private Carnival organizations, or krewes, whose dues-paying members ride on the floats or participate in other ways, such Mardi Gras is always the day before Lent, a period of fasting and self-control. Mardi Gras was likely introduced to North America by French colonists in New Orleans around the early 1700s with impromptu parades and bystanders catching sugarcoated peanuts. The Old English term “krewe” became the standard term for organizations that host Carnival parades have been part of Coastal Mississippi’s Mardi Gras tradition for more than 100 years, and each year, more than 20 parades will light up Coastal communities. Each parade offers something unique, so whether you're after colorful floats, lively music or plenty of bead throws, you’re in for a treat. Fat Tuesday 2023 was like no other Mardi Gras celebration because my sister and I were invited to be first-time parade riders for the Krewe of Argus. The membership dues to join the Krewe of Argus are only $400. That fee gets you into an Open house party, Lundi Gras Cookout, Mardi Gras Day refreshments, ride, costume, and Post Parade Party! More a cultural phenomenon/art form than an “event,” Mardi Gras is a diffuse, citywide affair that can be experienced on many different levels. To help visitors successfully navigate the panorama of its bounty and avoid missteps, Mardi Gras Tips & Ticks offers a compendium of seasoned advice on parade etiquette, reaping throw booty, balcony Hotels and accommodations book up quickly, and flights can get expensive the closer you get to Mardi Gras. Try to book at least a few months in advance to secure the best deals. If you want to stay close to the action, look for hotels in the French Quarter, Garden District, or near the parade routes on St. Charles Avenue. The Twin Cities’ Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras parade will celebrate its 42nd year of Mardi Gras tradition and flavor in the Twin Cities in 2025. The Twin Cities' Krewe of Janus Parade has entertained revelers since 1984 who eagerly gather along the 3.8-mile route through West Monroe and Monroe. Many other parades have float riders who throw candy, but how many throw beaded necklaces, cups, and stuffed animals? You never know what you might catch at a Mardi Gras parade. It is wise to come prepared with a large empty bag! To enjoy your experience to the fullest, you should follow proper parade etiquette. Heed this list of dos and don'ts Mardi Gras in New Orleans is an iconic celebration with a reputation that resonates worldwide. The festive period is marked by parades, masquerade balls, and street parties. For a first-timer, experiencing Mardi Gras can be a thrilling whirlwind of colors and sounds, but it also requires some savvy preparation to navigate the festivities smoothly. There will be a lot of people wearing Mardi Gras beads if you're here during the parades. But if you want to look less desirable to thieves, don't wear them. Wearing beads signals that you aren't from here and you're easier to target. 10. Do not get into cars that aren't licensed taxis or Ubers or Lyfts that you didn't order through the app Teach your kids the basics of parade etiquette: like staying far back enough from the floats, sticking to our area, and never leaving the spot without a buddy or telling an adult. Middle School and Beyond: Mardi Gras Pros in the Making. As kids grow into their tween and teen years, they’ll start to appreciate Mardi Gras on a whole new level. What do I wear to a Mardi Gras bal? Secondly, you should know that most Mardi Gras bals are formal events. Depending on the host Krewe, ladies should wear a long formal gown. For less formal events, a cocktail dress is acceptable. Word to the wise, if you have the option, go with the full-length formal dress. You'll thank me later! 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. Understanding local rules is vital for a responsible and secure Mardi Gras experience. Non-compliance with Mardi Gras regulations can lead to fines, legal ramifications, and disruption of the festivities. Understanding Parade Routes and Areas. New Orleans comes alive during Mardi Gras with a multitude of parades winding through the city’s Below is the 2025 Metairie Mardi Gras parade schedule (and Jefferson Parish). If you are looking for the New Orleans parade schedule, click here. The Northshore parade schedule (Mandeville / Covington / Slidell) is available here. If you are looking for Mardi Gras parades in Houma or other outlying areas of New Orleans, please click here. Mardi Gras is a colorful mix of cultural experiences that unite people in amazing ways. It happens in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities. These activities make memories that last a lifetime for everyone involved. Traditional Parade Customs. Mardi gras parades are the core of the carnival. They feature floats with detailed designs moving
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