Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. There will be plenty of parades in New Orleans leading up to Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. on March 4. in the U.S. although it is celebrated in other cities like Mobile, Alabama, St The first ball was held in 1857 by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. Comus hosted the first parade, followed by Rex in 1872, which debuted the king of Mardi Gras. The Rex parade gave Mardi Gras the official colors of purple to represent justice, green to represent faith, and gold to represent power. The three colors were to represent the “king.” There’s nothing quite like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. One of the world’s most iconic celebrations – and definitely one of the most well-known experiences in New Orleans – Mardi Gras is a mix of parades, music, food, and local culture that takes over the city for an experience like no other. One of the most fateful sins of Mardi Gras, however, is obstructing the parade route. There are 33 parades running down St. Charles Avenue alone in 2017, some of which extend for miles, so the slightest disruption makes a long night for the legions of volunteers and New Orleans Police Officers who work overtime to facilitate it. Mardi Gras 2025 Parade Schedules. Each year, the Mardi Gras parade schedule varies. Parades run for several weeks, from Twelfth Night on January 6th to Fat Tuesday (which is March 4th this year). As described above, most of the major parades take place in the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, with the biggest ones happening on the weekend Shorty Gras—the Krewe of Freret’s annual post-parade party—takes place on February 22 at Mardi Gras World and features performances by Ja Rule, Juvenile, The Soul Rebels, and of course This means that the weekend when the major New Orleans Mardi Gras parades will be taking place is on the last weekend of February, which is, more specifically, from Feb. 28 through March 2. Safety comes first during the celebration. You should stay in well-lit areas, keep your group together, and follow the parade route guidelines. Smart preparation – from morning setup to evening entertainment choices – will boost your whole Mardi Gras experience. The real Mardi Gras magic isn’t just about catching beads or watching floats. Parades are a huge part of the festivities, and there are dozens of them throughout the month of February leading up to the day of Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Parades are put on by local organizations called krewes (pronounced like "crews") which are exclusive groups made up of members. We’re tracking more than 70 parades this Carnival season, including several parades outside of Mardi Gras, like the St. Patrick’s Day parades. We are also tracking the front and the back of Mardi Gras Throws and Parade Etiquette: Don’t Just stand there! Beads aren’t just handed out to the quiet ones. If you want the good stuff, channel your inner performer and make some noise! Plan your visit to Houma, and experience the joy, tradition, and culture of our unforgettable Mardi Gras celebration. Stay tuned to ExploreHouma.com for parade updates, route details, and everything you need to make the most of Mardi Gras 2025. Houma, it’s your time to shine—Mardi Gras season is here! Let’s celebrate Bayou Country style! As we enter Mardi Gras season, I would like to invite you, your family, and your friends to come experience Mardi Gras in Slidell. Grab your lawn chairs, ice chests, and king cakes, and head out to the parade route to enjoy all the parades rolling through Slidell: Friday, Feb. 14 • 6:30 p.m. Krewe of Titans. Saturday, Feb. 15 • 12:00 p.m. This year, Mardi Gras is Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras parades. Mardi Gras parades are the highlight of the season. Staged by "krewes"—Carnival organizations—these parades range from small Interested in venturing out of Louisiana for Mardi Gras? Some of the biggest parades of the season are happening on Fat Tuesday this year, plus a few beloved local celebrations in Bay St. Louis. Downtown Pensacola boasts two Mardi Gras Parades, the Illuminated Parade on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and the Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday at 2 p.m. Fun tip: If you love the Mardi Gras floats, head to Spring street early to get a closer look! The street is closed, but be mindful that floats are being pulled in and out, so be on the Vancleave – MKOPI Annual Mardi Gras Parade “Thunder on the Bayou” | 1:30 p.m. Long Beach – Annual Long Beach Mardi Gras Parade | 6:00 p.m. Gautier – Gautier Men’s Club Parade & Mardi Gras Tailgate Party | 7:00 p.m. Laurel – Mardi Gras Parade | 5:30 p.m. Sunday, February 23 Waveland – Krewe of Nereids Parade | 12:00 p.m. Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is more than a celebration; it's an experience that will bring you closer to the heart of Louisiana culture. From planning your parade schedule to choosing your favorite king cake, locals know how to make the most of the season. Here’s how you can Mardi Gras like a local in Lake Charles. Although some Carnival parades have already taken place, the official parading schedule begins Friday (Feb. 21). With 19 krewes rolling this weekend, there are actually more parades in the next
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