Mardi Gras in New Orleans is arguably the best party you'll find in the United States. Every year over a million people travel to New Orleans to join in the fun during Carnival season, which begins on January 6, known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night, and lasts until Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday." With Rex, Zulu, doubloons, flambeaus, and king cake, Mardi Gras may sound confusing, but we’ve created the ultimate guide to help you understand all things Mardi Gras. Book your trip and head on down to New Orleans for the greatest and most historic celebration on earth. 7. Come face-to-face with a Mardi Gras Indian on Mardi Gras day. Tracing their roots back to a time when Native Americans helped shield runaway slaves, the Mardi Gras Masking Indians can be found parading down the streets on Mardi Gras day in their spectacular hand-sewn suits. 8. Take in the Bourbon Street Awards The term "Mardi Gras" is commonly used to refer to the entire Carnival season, but Mardi Gras (a.k.a. "Fat Tuesday") is actually just a one day, pre-Lent party. When is Mardi Gras? Head to the best bars. When it comes to the best things to do at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it’s ALL about the bars and having a good time. The French Quarter is an excellent place to visit for top-tier drinks and signature cocktails, but several spots around town are worth checking out. First-Timers New Orleans Mardi Gras Guide. Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday” in French, is a carnival celebration that takes place in many parts of the world, but is especially famous in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. The festival is held annually on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Christian season of March 4: Austin Mardi Gras All Stars at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul Bar. Austin Mardi Gras All Stars in downtown South Congress includes John Speice, Jimmie Dreams and Paul Deemer. Based in Austin and El Paso, these jazz artists play music on instruments ranging from the drums to the trombone. At this 21-only bar, C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, the Share the history of Mardi Gras. Find out if any of your residents have experienced Mardi Gras in person. String green, purple, and gold beads to create Mardi Gras necklaces or bracelets. I find this activity works well for Memory Care. Host a Mardi Gras potluck or cooking contest for staff. Invite a local celebrity to come in and serve as the Insider Tips for Mardi Gras 2025 Do I need Mardi Gras Tickets? No need to buy Mardis Gras tickets! The parades and celebrations are completely free. If you’d prefer to watch from the stands, you can purchase tickets to reserve a seat, but it’s not necessary — you can enjoy every parade without spending a dime. Seats are mainly recommended Things to do in Denver: Snow sculptures, cowboy poetry and more Sunday. If one mini-Mardi Gras parade isn’t enough for you, then swing by the Dairy Block in Lower Downtown from noon to 2 p.m The king of Mardi Gras himself, Arthur Hardy is your go-to guy for information on parade routes, krewes, Mardi Gras royalty, and everything in between. You can find it all in the Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Guide, which has been published since 1977 and contains 160 pages of facts, photos, and fun. Order your guide here. B - Beads 4. Learn about Mardi Gras History at a Mardi Gras Museum. Mardi Gras has a rich history in the United States which dates back to the 1700s. Yet, this celebration is widely misunderstood and much of the history is unknown to many Americans. So, while celebrating, you should take a moment and check out the Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum.
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