Here are four Mardi Gras celebrations beyond New Orleans worth checking out. Advertisement Note that officially Mardi Gras 2024 takes place on February 13, but the Carnival season begins as early as the first week of January in some locations, with the largest parades and parties happening around the weekend of February 10-11. St. Louis' Mardi Gras celebration is often called the largest outside of New Orleans, but representatives say they've never made that claim. Our Verify team was asked if St. Louis has the second Founded in 1702 as the first capital of French colonial Louisiana, Mobile is known for hosting the very first Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. While it now puts on a more low-key party than New Orleans—with only three weeks of parades as opposed to five or six—Mobile’s French roots and the fact that the festivities were were largely shaped by enslaved West Africans mean that both New Orleans is Mardi Gras, and preparations begin in early January with events scheduled for weekends leading up to this year’s Mardi Gras, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Now in its 30th year, Universal's Mardi Gras celebration feels authentic because it is. The theme park collaborates with New Orleans-based Kern Studios — the country's premier parade float studio — to design and build its floats. This year, the theme park will celebrate Mardi Gras for two months, from Feb. 1 to March 30. Mobile first hosted a Mardi Gras celebration in 1703, predating any celebration in New Orleans by at least a decade. Settled as the capital of the French Louisana territory, Mobile hosted Whereas NOLA's version of Mardi Gras is held on the traditional date of the day before Ash Wednesday, San Fran's rendition of the celebration is held in the spring as a celebration of new life. (This year, San Franciso's Carnaval festival and parade will be held on May 24-25, 2014, during Memorial Day weekend.) The Best Mardi Gras Parades Beyond New Orleans. You may think of the “Big Easy” on Fat Tuesday, but other towns throughout Louisiana and the wider Gulf Coast play host to raucous celebrations When most people think of Mardi Gras, they immediately think of New Orleans. It makes sense that the two are so closely linked, given that New Orleans throws the country's largest and most popular Mardi Gras celebration. But the Big Easy is far from the only place to celebrate Mardi Gras — nor is it the original U.S. city to mark the occasion (you'll find that city on this list). Here are 14 With the popularity of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, it’s no surprise that other Gulf Coast states have enacted their own versions of this iconic event. Galveston is the setting for Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration , with thousands traveling to take part in the colorful Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade, which gathers revelers to dance the The Basics of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is the biggest celebration in New Orleans, culminating on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Known for its spectacular parades, vibrant costumes, and deep-rooted traditions, this celebration is a bucket-list experience. Most locals refer to Mardi Gras as the final two weekends of the celebration, when most of the parades and events take place. When to Visit for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. You can visit any time during Carnival (between January 6th and March 4th, 2025) to experience parades and festivities. Mardi Gras balls were exclusive events closed off from most people outside of New Orleans society until this krewe revolutionized the event. In 1949, Edward Brennan Sr. created the krewe, a carnival Ball open to tourists. Every year, as winter fades and spring approaches, the streets of New Orleans explode with color, music, and celebration. Mardi Gras, the grandest festival in Louisiana, is famous for its parades, beads, masked revelers, and deep cultural traditions. St. Louis holds the No. 1 spot as the best place to celebrate Mardi Gras outside New Orleans, even though it has only been doing so since 1980. St. Louis has a strong French heritage, having been Mardi Gras comes to a close on Tuesday night, and soon, those who celebrate will exclaim “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” or “Let the good times roll” for the last time this Carnival season. In addition to being one of the largest outside of New Orleans, St. Louis’ annual Mardi Gras celebration is also known as the largest outside of the city. Representatives for the city deny that claim. According to media reports, the off-the-cuff remark was made by then-Mayor Francis Slay. 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 Where is the most famous Mardi Gras celebration held? The most famous Mardi Gras celebration is held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The city is known for its elaborate parades, masquerade balls, and street parties. What are Mardi Gras “throws”? Throws are trinkets, beads, and other small gifts tossed from parade floats to spectators. The
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |