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. Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana is an iconic celebration that welcomes nearly 1.5 million visitors each year, so it’s no surprise that planning your first visit to this world-famous holiday can be quite the daunting task. We had the joy of visiting our first Mardi Gras in 2023 and came up with a list of the top things that we think every Mardi Gras goer could benefit from knowing before Catch an early parade. Some of the best Mardi Gras parades take place well before Fat Tuesday. First up is a slew of parades on January 6 to celebrate the start of Carnival season, including Funky Uptown Krewe, Phunny Phorty Phellows, and Krewe of Joan of Arc. Portable restrooms can beunpredictable, especially during Mardi Gras. So you’ll want to plan your parade strategy around having access to a quality bathroom. Pro tip: Snap up a spot near a school. Many schools, like the St. Stephen Catholic School on Napoleon Avenue, sell wristbands to use their facilities. Laissez les bon temps rouler! New Orleans is always great to visit but Mardi Gras season is special! Make sure to catch the Endymion and Bacchus parades, and the Zulu parade on Mardi Gras day. If you want to hear some great music stop by Snug Harbor, the Jazz Market and Preservation Hall! - Adonis Rose Executive Director of the NOCCA Foundation Restaurants on the parade route are usually full on the nights of the most popular parades and on Mardi Gras day, so make your plans early with those that accept reservations. If they don't accept reservations, plan to wait a while to get a table, purchase food from a street vendor, or pack your own snacks and sandwiches. For a one-stop shop, visit King Cake Hub at Zony Mash Brewery or seek out beloved versions from local bakeries like Haydel’s, Tastee Donuts, Gambino’s, or Dong Phuong. Several restaurants also offer special Mardi Gras menus and pre-parade specials. In light of recent events, Mardi Gras 2025 will see enhanced security measures. The Some people refer to Carnival and Mardi Gras interchangeably, although Carnival technically stretches the whole season from January 6th to Fat Tuesday, while Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday itself. No matter when Fat Tuesday falls in a given year, there is an entire Carnival season leading up to it, filled with weeks of parades, parties, and 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. Celebrate Mardi Gras traditions throughout New Orleans: Twelfth Night, Chewbacchus, Zulu, Rex and more. Click here to find the best Mardi Gras events in New Orleans. Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday are the same day, and they take place on March 4 in 2025. Mardi Gras marks the end of the pre-Lenten season. Fat Tuesday is a day of feasting before the fasting of Lent Mardi Gras pre-parties. Asheville Mardi Gras will host events before Sunday's parade.. On March 1, meet the 2025 royalty, King Tom Good Heart Marshall and Queen Jill Bielewski, at 6 p.m. at Green 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. Day 3: Mardi Gras World and Pre-Mardi Gras Parades This morning learn what goes into the making of the Mardi Gras parade floats. Since 1947, the artists of Blaine Kern Studios have been bringing Mardi Gras to life, creating many of the parade floats, from concept through completion. Driving to a parade can be a hassle ahead of Mardi Gras parades. A couple of hours before parades begin, NOPD will close routes to vehicles. You should avoid streets that intersect with a parade. The Krewe of Freret paraded for more than 40 years until the mid-1990s. In 2011, the resurgence of the krewe began with seven Loyola graduates who wanted to unify enthusiastic young professionals and infuse vigor into Carnival while revitalizing the Freret corridor. The 2025 Mardi Gras season is just beginning, and Coastal Mississippi is packed full of fun parades and events perfect for incoming visitors. Come along with us as we celebrate the Carnival season! Laissez les bon temps rouler –– "Let the good times roll!" Named for Roman legion leaders, the 350-member co-ed parade typically rolls with 20-plus floats. Last year, for the first time, Centurions moved from Friday into the Lundi Gras slot in the Jefferson Parish Carnival schedule. The 2024 parade theme is “Centurions Goes on an Adventure.” Parade-goers should look for hand-decorated swords. Huge parades. Extravagant masked bals. Authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Start planning your Mardi Gras adventures in Shreveport-Bossier today!
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