I’ve been to my fair share of parades, and I can honestly say it’s worth the journey. If you’re new to the large-than-life celebration that is Mardi Gras, I want to share with you my tips and tricks for a successful and enjoyable parade experience. Keep these nine things in mind, and you’ll be golden (and purple and green). 1. Mobile Is The Birthplace Of Mardi Gras. First things first: The beloved tradition was actually born in Mobile, Alabama, though many associate it with New Orleans. Mobile first celebrated Mardi Gras in 1703, with the party really heating up in 1831. Mardi Gras is still a huge event in Mobile, with dozens of balls and parades every year. 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. Despite what you might have heard, Mardi Gras actually is a family-friendly event. Image courtesy of Mills Baker via Flickr. 2. Carnival Veterans Go Long, Not Hard. Given that Mardi Gras is the culmination of a month-long party, any skillful local will avoid drinking the whole keg in a single night. 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 The season, which represents a time of celebration before Christian Lent, lasts until Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is March 4, 2025. Between January 6 and March 4, enjoy parades, king cake, community celebrations, and more. For a list of future Mardi Gras Day dates, see here. Where in New Orleans can I experience Mardi Gras? Take it easy. Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a sprint and for many locals it is a family-oriented holiday. You want to remember and enjoy all the fun to be had on the parade route, and that requires slow sips and lots of food to absorb the cocktails. Also, tip your bartenders. Leave your diet at home. Mardi Gras calories don’t count. Mardi Gras parades. Mardi Gras parades are the highlight of the season. Staged by "krewes"—Carnival organizations—these parades range from small, costumed walking groups to a rolling party of Mardi Gras isn't the time to hold back and throw on jeans and a t-shirt. It might even be time to go on a shopping spree. Have fun with it. Where to stay during Mardi Gras. If it's your first Mardi Gras, you're likely going to want to be in the middle of all the action — as you should be. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a one to a three-month stretch of the year in which the streets come alive with music, art, and costumed revelers. Beginning on Twelfth Night, January 6, the best season of the year is upon us: king cake, bead-tossing, and parading begins and only increases as we make our way toward Mardi Gras Day. Welcome to Mardi Gras; Mardi Gras Day; Table of Contents Use Le Pass during Mardi Gras to plan your trip and purchase fares! Get the app . Stay up-to-date on detours! Streetcar service will only operate from S. Carrollton & S. Claiborne to St. Charles & Napoleon Ave. The last streetcar traveling downtown will leave St Charles and Napoleon at 3:00pm until the parade clears St Charles Ave. On behalf of our entire staff, we welcome you and thank you for choosing the Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino. We are confident that you will enjoy your stay in Las Vegas, the most exciting city in the world. We look forward to being a part of your good times and positives memories. This set of 3 Mardi Gras designs are featured in a classic color pattern of purple, green and gold. My plan is to create busted canvas art with the diamond pattern as the backdrop and the Mardi Gras mask as the feature image. If you have been wanting to jump on the busted canvas craze, join my Busted Canvas Crafts Facebook Group. It’s free In Breezy Point, Broad Channel and Roxbury, Mardi Gras is a rollicking carnival of homemade floats and community spirit. As seen here post-Sandy, not even a hurricane could keep this deep rooted tradition down. “The Alabama Port Authority (APA) is proud to welcome the USS McFAUL to the Port of Mobile for Mardi Gras 2025,” APA Director and CEO John Driscoll said. “A longtime partnership between the Port, the City, the Navy, and the Mobile Council of the Navy League, the arrival of this vessel is a great tradition for the City of Mobile’s Celebrate Mardi Gras with the best flavors of New Orleans! From classic red beans and rice to rich crawfish étouffée, spicy boudin, and sweet treats like pralines and beignets, these Mardi Gras food ideas bring the party to your kitchen during Carnival and Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras, a vibrant and joyous celebration steeped in tradition, is a time for revelry, feasting, and the shedding of inhibitions. As the world watches in awe of the colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and infectious energy that define this festive occasion, it’s natural to want to join in the merriment. Here’s how to celebrate Mardi Gras the Galveston way, with parades, live music and pet-friendly costume contests. While some events are free, several of the city’s official parades and all of its concerts are held inside the gates of the Entertainment District. A tourist found himself lost during Mardi Gras. He asked a passerby, “Excuse me, do you know where the parade is?” The local, decked out in full Mardi Gras attire, grinned and said, “My friend, in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you don’t find the parade. The parade finds you!”
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |