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Compare the Mardi Gras celebrations in St. Louis and New Orleans in this head-to-head article. Discover which city hosts the better party, from New Orleans’ historic parades and vibrant French Quarter to St. Louis’ growing festivities in the lively Soulard neighborhood. Explore the history, parades, Bradley, who has been involved with Soulard Mardi Gras for 22 years, said this claim may have started as long ago as the 1990s, just a decade or so after the first Mardi Gras in St. Louis. However, Mardi Gras is not nearly as embedded into St. Louis culture as it is in most southern states. Mardi Gras in St. Louis is said to have begun from a house party in 1979 and eventually flourished to include parades, meaning it is still relatively new to the city. Mardi Gras in Mobile and New Orleans has been celebrated since the early 1700s. Boasting one of the best year-round patios in St. Louis, Molly’s in Soulard is the perfect stop on your Mardi Gras journey. The adventurous eaters in your group will gravitate toward dishes such as Molly’s famous alligator Rangoon, Cajun-fried deviled eggs and the cochon de lait sandwich made with Creole-style pulled pork, pickled red Mardi Gras is a big deal in St. Louis – our French connection runs deeper than just the street names. Get ready for a weekend full of celebrations, from parades to parties, all filled with plenty of food and drink. It all leads up to Fat Tuesday on March 4 – here are 10 spots hosting celebrations in and around St. Louis. Mardi Gras in St. Louis, Missouri. Second largest Mardi Gras festivities in the U.S. are held in St. Louis, Missouri — Photo courtesy of Explore St. Louis. What began in 1979 as a way for five bored guys to kick the winter doldrums has now become one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States. Mardi Gras is a time of revelry, tradition, and joy—and Coastal Mississippi knows how to celebrate in style. While New Orleans may be the most famous destination for Mardi Gras, the Gulf Coast boasts its own unique blend of parades, delicious king cake, and family-friendly fun. For 2025, Coastal Mississippi’s Mardi Gras calendar is packed The Soulard Mardi Gras in St. Louis is one of the largest and most vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, second only to New Orleans. The 2025 season promises weeks of lively parades, unique themed events, pet-friendly gatherings, and plenty of food and drink, drawing thousands to St. Louis’s historic Soulard neighborhood. Mardi Gras in St. Louis. RACHEL HUFFMAN/EXPLORE ST. LOUIS. You don't have to head south to celebrate Mardi Gras. St. Louis' historic Soulard (French for "drunkard") neighborhood is home to a lively celebration that kicks off this year Feb. 22 with a Run for Your Beads 5K run. The Krewe of Zulu takes the turn onto Canal Street from St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, in New Orleans. Aid and Pleasure Club parade on 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. The strong ties between Mardi Gras and New Orleans burial grounds reflect a rich aspect of the city’s heritage and unique treatment of the dead. The establishment of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 — done by Spanish royal decree in 1789 — holds particular significance as the creation of the oldest existing cemetery in the city. Mardi Gras St Louis vs New Orleans I saw that Mardi Gras is coming up the beginning of March. It's known to be a depraved holiday full of drunkenness and lewdness. Best Cities Mardi Gras Besides New Orleans. Mardi Gras is a lively celebration filled with parades, colorful costumes, and delicious food. While New Orleans is the most famous place to celebrate this festive day, other cities also offer fantastic Mardi Gras experiences. Here’s a look at some of the best cities to enjoy Mardi Gras outside of St. Louis, Missouri. According to Budget, “Winters are chilly in St. Louis, but early spring brings the festivities of the largest Mardi Gras outside of New Orleans.” St. Louis knows how to party; with over a month of activities, the celebration is nonstop for weeks. New Orleans , Different stuff: 10/10. New Orleans is one of the most visited cities in America and has many major attractions, from the world-renowned Bourbon Street and the French Quarter's notorious nightlife, St. Charles Avenue (home of Tulane and Loyola Universities), and many stately 19th century mansions. Mardi Gras may be an ancient celebration but there's always something new to discover. As the krewes announce their 2025 themes, throws and celebrity monarchs and riders, we'll post that information here Mardi Gras Season Starts Here! Jan. 6. BOS Family Winter Carnival and Shoebox Float Gallery. JAN 18. February Fords Gin Scavenger Hunt. FEB. 8. Cajun Cook-Off. FEB. 15. Run For Your Beads 5K. FEB. 22. Verizon Taste of Soulard. FEB. 22-23. Purina Pet Parade. FEB. 23. Tito’s Vodka Wiener Dog Derby. FEB. 23. Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball. FEB. 28 The Argument for New Orleans. Those who believe New Orleans gets the crown say the first Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when French explorers Bienville and Iberville put down stakes on the west bank of the Mississippi River, about 60 miles downriver from the site of what would become the Crescent City. On Mardi Gras on Tuesday, Feb. 13, there will be King Cake and free appetizer coupons if you find the baby, along with live music from Bob Case and the Wild Accusations. 512 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, 314.367.3644, evangelinesstl.com. Mardi Gras in Tower Grove Park
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