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. 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 When are the 2025 Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans? There will be plenty of parades around New Orleans for the last few days of the carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras on Tuesday March 4 Knights of Revelry parade down Royal Street in Mobile during the 2010 Mardi Gras season. In 1723, the capital of Louisiana was moved to New Orleans, founded in 1718. [33] 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 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.” The New Orleans version of Mardi Gras is renowned for its parades, floats, masks, beads, and elaborate costumes, and it draws millions of visitors from around the world each year. The Rise of Krewes One of the defining features of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the krewes , or social organizations, that are responsible for organizing the parades Mardi Gras Parade Schedule. Mardi Gras is more than just a day, or one week, or even a weekend. Starting January 6 (Twelfth Night), New Orleans has parades in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras Day, which falls on March 4, 2025. Take a look at the parades below and click on each to learn more. 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 The king of Mardi Gras himself, Arthur Hardy is your go-to guy for information on parade routes, krewes, Mardi Gras royalty, and everything in between. You can find it all in the Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Guide, which has been published since 1977 and contains 160 pages of facts, photos, and fun. Order your guide here. B - Beads An accessible Mardi Gras Parade Zone will be available at the intersection of Johnston Street and St. Julien Street (at Fire Station #5). Space is limited and available on a first-come, first 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. Most cities observe Mardi Gras. New Orleans, Louisiana, is famous for Mardi Gras. Parades are a large component of the celebration. These parades feature floats. Individuals on the floats toss beads and other things to the audience. Individuals dress in costume and wear masks. Music is also a component of the celebration. 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! The 2006 New Orleans Carnival schedule included the Krewe du Vieux on its traditional route through Marigny and the French Quarter on February 11, the Saturday two weekends before Mardi Gras. There were several parades on Saturday, February 18, and Sunday the 19th a week before Mardi Gras. Parades followed daily from Thursday night through To protect her hands from hard Mardi Gras beads hitting her cold hands, Bobbi Foster wore gloves for the Krewe of Hermes parade in New Orleans on February 17, 2023. The 2025 New Orleans Carnival season starts on Saturday, Jan. 6, and concludes on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, March 4.
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