Top 10 things to know about Mardi Gras. Parades, elaborate costumes, and the king of all cakes are all hallmarks of the iconic festival. By Sarah Gibbens and Amy McKeever. February 27, 2025. Though pre-Lenten Mardi Gras balls and parties were held in New Orleans as early as the mid-1700s, the first documented parade in the city did not occur until 1837. This first parade more resembled a procession of revelers in costume than it did the large, organized parades of today. Think you know Mardi Gras? Think again! 1. Carnival is a Season; Mardi Gras is a day. Sure, we all do it. “I’m going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras!” we say, when we’re actually going to see parades the weekend before Mardi Gras. Technically, Mardi Gras is the last Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and ushers in 40 days Lenten practices You may not be able to see or do it all, and that's okay. Just in time for Mardi Gras day (Tuesday, February 28, this year), here's a quick guide to the things you should know — and the things you might want avoid. 1. Mardi Gras Is a Religious Holiday And a Family Affair Nearly every year (the Covid-19 pandemic years notwithstanding) the city of New Orleans descends in to a chaotic flurry of crowds, colorful masks, and beads galore all in celebration of Mardi Gras. New Orleans Mardi Gras is known for its vibrant food scene. Cajun cuisine is at the heart of the celebration, making every meal unforgettable. You’ll taste the rich flavors of Louisiana’s culture. Unique Mardi Gras customs are celebrated through famous dishes. Gumbo, a seafood stew, is a Creole cooking staple. About 60 miles from what is now New Orleans, they set up camp on March 3, the day before Lent. In honor of the meaningful date, they named it Point du Mardi Gras. In 1702, Pierre founded Mobile. According to the Mobile Carnival Museum, the first Mardi Gras was celebrated in Mobile in 1703, followed by the first Carnival in 1711. Both occurred 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. Or maybe you need some funny puns for your Mardi Gras Instagram captions (“Mardi gras, party gras!”). But first, read on for the top 10 Mardi Gras traditions, from the symbolic meaning of green, purple, and gold to the most popular parade “throws” and more. Top 10 things to know about Mardi Gras. TRAVEL. Photo story — inside the celebration of Inti Raymi, Ecuador’s ancient Festival of the Sun. TRAVEL. The essential guide to visiting Nevada. The incident was so infamous it generated T-shirts saying things like, “I went to the ’99 Mardi Gras and survived” or “I went to the ’99 Mardi Gras and was maced by the police,” he said. Community groups met for a whole year after that to talk about how to make Mardi Gras safer. Those changes included doing away with the Tuesday We have an all-in-one Mardi Gras guide with additional details about the celebration year-to-year, but we’ve created this guide as your go-to resource specifically for planning Mardi Gras 2025. From this year’s key parade and event dates to updated safety info and local insights, we’ve got you covered. First-timers tend to gravitate towards Bourbon and Canal Street, but if you want to be where the locals are (and trust me, you probably do) head Uptown. It’s just as festive but often much more tame and family-friendly. Most parades in Uptown stroll down St. Charles Avenue, so try to find a spot Here, we love living life to the fullest, so come to Mardi Gras with a free spirit and you’ll fit right in with the locals! Ready to put these essential items to good use? Learn more about the top 10 things you should know about Mardi Gras and plan your trip with the Louisiana Official Inspiration Guide. Over time, the festivities evolved into Mardi Gras as we know it today. The first Mardi Gras parade was held in New Orleans by the Krewe of Comus in 1857, and in 1870, Mardi Gras’ second Krewe, the Twelfth Night Revelers, began tossing “throws” (more on these iconic parts of Mardi Gras later). Top 10 things to know about Mardi Gras. Parades, elaborate costumes, and the king of all cakes are all hallmarks of the iconic festival. All reactions: 15. 1 share. While attending a Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, watch out for flying MoonPies. In addition to Mardi Gras, Mobile celebrates Joe Cain Day on the Sunday before Mardi Gras. Joe Cain is a Mobile icon who is credited with bringing Mardi Gras back to life after the Civil War. Joe Cain Day, like Mardi Gras, is celebrated with parades and street There are more than 10 truths and fun facts about Mardi Gras, like Go Cups Being the Crystal Glasses of the South, but we’ve got parades to get to and food to eat. Baby, the bottom line is this: life is short. It’ll be over in two shakes of a tailfeather. I’d hate to know we spent it focused on the wrong things. Make good food. Love Here's everything you need to know about Mardi Gras in New Orleans, including the best places to stay, eat and drink. casual neighborhood joint is a top choice for classic, overstuffed po-boys Carnival Mardi Gras is becoming increasingly popular among guests of Carnival Cruise Line. Read on if you're interested to know about the 21 best things you can't miss doing on board.
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