Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans 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. Mardi Gras Indians may be one of the most mysterious aspects of New Orleans Mardi Gras, particularly for visitors to the city. Tribes were formed by African American communities who were excluded from traditional parades and krewes, and they typically poke fun at krewe royalty and governing structures. 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. New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is more than just a party—it’s an unforgettable experience that draws a staggering 1.4 million visitors each year. The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. In 2025, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras—just one of the festival’s many names—is marked by raucous parties and parades, revelers wearing elaborate costumes, and delicious The colors of Mardi Gras were selected by the Krewe of Rex in 1872. Purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power. King Cake Only eaten during Mardi Gras, King cakes are a cross between a French pastry and a coffee cake, topped with icing and sugar in the Mardi Gras colors. From the story of how Mardi Gras first came to be to the most popular traditions—like the beads and the king cake—we're exploring the most raucous holiday of the year. During his visit in 1872, the newly founded Krewe of Rex chose the colors of the duke’s royal house for the beads that krewe members would throw from their parade float into the crowds of Mardi There is a Mardi Gras for everyone! To know Mardi Gras is to experience Mardi Gras! My absolute favorite are the walking parades and the magic that is to be found in impromptu moments. - Vivacious Miss Audacious Burlesque Performer and Event Producer, @MissAudacious on Instagram Mardi Gras 2025 takes place this year on March 4. But what exactly are we celebrating on this day? Why a Tuesday and not another day? Why do we dress up for Mardi Gras? After Chandeleur, at the 2024 Mardi Gras NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe and Harry Connick Jr. are seen at the Krewe of Orpheus parade during 2024 Mardi Gras on February Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a time to let loose, indulge in rich foods, and enjoy festive drinks with friends and family. The vibrant city of New Orleans is the epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations, where revelers gather to party, dance, and toast to the occasion. But what do you drink during Mardi Gras? Photo/Blue Bayou via Facebook. The Blue Bayou is bringing “The Big Easy” to Chicago this Mardi Gras weekend with crawfish, cocktails, and cabaret!. The party kicks off on Saturday, March 1 with a crawfish boil in the afternoon, followed by an official Mardi Gras party and burlesque show in the evening. 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). King cake can be enjoyed throughout the Mardi Gras season (Epiphany to Fat Tuesday), but more commonly enjoyed on the day of Mardi Gras — which is an official holiday in Louisiana. 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. 2024 Mardi Gras NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe and Harry Connick Jr. are seen at the Krewe of Orpheus parade during 2024 Mardi Gras on February What is Mardi Gras and why do we celebrate it? Did you know that Mardi Gras is actually a religious holiday? Mardi Gras, also called Fat Tuesday, is a Christian feast day that occurs during a period of time known as Carnival. Carnival begins on January 6 (known as Epiphany or Three Kings Day) and concludes with Mardi Gras.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |