Each Mardi Gras Parade has a unique history and theme. Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route The first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana. They held a In 1875, Louisiana Governor Warmoth signed the “Mardi Gras Act” making Mardi Gras a legal holiday in the state, which it remains to this day. Related Tags Theaters History & Culture Plaques According to the Mardi Gras New Orleans, Mardi Gras celebrations were common in the city by the 1730s, although the first recorded Mardi Gras parade didn’t float through the New Orlean’s The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with Bernard de Marigny funding the first organized parade, tableau, and ball. The tradition in New Orleans expanded to the point that it became synonymous with the city in popular perception, and embraced by residents of New Orleans beyond those of French [23] [24] This marked the first large-scale cancellation of Mardi Gras parades since the 1979 police strike. [25] [26] Other krewes subsequently announced that they would cancel their in-person balls, including Endymion and Rex (who therefore did not name a King and Queen of Mardi Gras for the first time since World War II). [27] [25] [26] By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans, but not with the parades we know today. In the early 1740s, Louisiana's governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established elegant society balls, which became the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today. A Mardi Gras parade on Royal Street in Mobile during the 2006 season. Mobile, founded by Bienville in 1702, is known for having the oldest organized Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, beginning in 1703. [9] It was also host to the first formally organized Mardi Gras parade in the United States in 1830. [9] This marker, installed on the corner of the building at Magazine and Julia Streets, indicates the starting point of the first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, which took place on February 24, 1857. The Mistick Krewe of Comus led the parade, which went west on Julia Street. From this point forward, Mardi Gras parades would become a cherished New Orleans tradition. Mardi Gras parades would soon The first Mardi Gras parade was held in New Orleans on Feb. 24, 1857 by the Krewe of Comus. They began the tradition of presenting a parade with floats and following it with a ball for the krewe and their guests. METAIRIE, La. — Jefferson Parish officials have canceled Mardi Gras Day parades on Tuesday, March 4 due to weather, multiple sources tell WWL. Krewe of Argus informed riders that there "will be The first parade will be Friday, Feb. 21, according to the Lafayette Consolidated Government. 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, Mardi Gras Day – King Gabriel’s Parade is scheduled to begin at the Luke Tetrault, organizer of the first-time Taytro’s Twin City Mardi Gras Parade starting at noon March 1, said he was floored at the interest shown and cut off the number of parade participants (floats, bands, etc.) when the number reached 60. Associated festivities run through the day on Festus Main Street and at Taytro’s Bar & Bistro. When is Mardi Gras 2025? This year, Mardi Gras, which translates from French to "Fat Tuesday," is on March 4. Ash Wednesday is on March 5, the day marking the start of the 40-day Lenten season Saturday, February 1. 1 p.m. – Krewe de la Dauphine (Dauphin Island) Saturday, February 8. 1 p.m. – Dauphin Island People’s Parade (Dauphin Island) 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! Bacchus Bash (March 2, 2025): Krewe of Bacchus throws a big all-day Mardi Gras block party on Super Sunday (the Sunday before Mardi Gras) featuring live music, DJs, and VIP open bar ticket options to celebrate their historic parade. Pricing ranges from $75-600. 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). Saturday, March 1 – Eunice Lil’ Mardi Gras – 461 Sittig St. at Eunice Recreation Complex. 9 a.m-4 p.m. Mardi Gras run begins at 9 a.m. Children’s parade in downtown Eunice at 3 p.m Each Mardi Gras Parade has a unique history and theme. Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route
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