Mardi Gras in New Orleans is arguably the best party you'll find in the United States. Every year over a million people travel to New Orleans to join in the fun during Carnival season, which begins on January 6, known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night, and lasts until Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday." Mardi Gras Experiences & Cultural Highlights. Mardi Gras is one of the most unique experiences on the planet. From costuming to one-of-a-kind customs, here are some of the highlights you need to know before you go. What is Mardi Gras Masking? Do people costume? Masking is a tradition during Mardi Gras. There are more than 30 colorful and often comical adult dance groups that take to the streets during Mardi Gras, including the legendary 610 Stompers, the Storyville Baby Dolls, the Merry Antoinettes, the Muff-A-Lottas, the Pussyfooters, Roux La La and more you just have to see to appreciate. New Orleans is cranking up the volume for Mardi Gras 2025, and there’s excitement in the air for what is often hailed as the greatest free show on earth. This iconic festival, culminating on Tuesday, March 4, is deeply rooted in Christian and Roman Catholic traditions but has evolved into a secular celebration. The French Quarter is bustling during the carnival period, and it offers some of the best things to do at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Featuring heavily on the parade routes, throwing street parties, and hosting general naughtiness, the French Quarter is the perfect place to visit for X-Rated revelry. There are normally around 80 parades scheduled in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, running from the 6th January through to Mardi Gras itself. So whenever you visit, you should be able to see a parade. Our recommendation is to try and see at least one of the parades by one of the “Super Krewes”, as these tend to be very visually impressive. Mardi Gras is all about fun, vibrancy, and celebration. All you need to do is look at some of the famous Mardi Gras photos to tell that! But what actually happens during Mardi Gras in New Orleans? The revelry takes shape in the form of music, parades, balls, picnics, floats, balls, and plenty of eating and drinking. Celebrate Mardi Gras traditions throughout New Orleans: Twelfth Night, Chewbacchus, Zulu, Rex and more. Click here to find the best Mardi Gras events in New Orleans. Best Things to do in New Orleans During Mardi Gras. There are many things to do in New Orleans and the surrounding areas during the Mardi Gras season. It is almost hard to squeeze them all in! During the roughly six-week Mardi Gras celebrations, there are so many jam-packed fun things to do. There are plenty of tours in New Orleans, but only one offers a real, behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans Mardi Gras, and that’s the Mardi Gras World tour. Mardi Gras World gives you an authentic Mardi Gras experience all year round, whether you visit while sightseeing in New Orleans, enjoying a New Orleans family vacation or taking a break Consider them a Mardi Gras offering. Costumes Are Encouraged (and Sometimes Required) If you’re not in a wig, sequins, or at least a feather boa, are you even doing Mardi Gras right? And on Mardi Gras day wear a heavy coat, shorts, tank top and sneakers because the weather changes from winter wonderland to summer by noon.- Tamsy Kambi There’s no shortage of incredible parades to enjoy during Mardi Gras, but some stand out as absolute must-sees. These are the parades happening directly leading up to and on Fat Tuesday, from some of the biggest and most well-known Krewes, featuring the most intricate, massive, and extravagant floats and sought-after signature throws. The Mardi Gras Parade. When: Saturday, March 1, 6:45pm to 11pm Where: Oxford St, Flinders St and Anzac Parade, Sydney Tickets: free, with tickets to special parade viewing areas, more info (some sold out) The Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is now in its 47th year and is the jewel in the crown of the two-week Mardi Gras festival. 📍 New Orleans, Louisiana. Ahh, Mardi Gras. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in Louisiana, you’re probably well aware of this extravagant festival. Every year, an approximate 1.5 million people celebrate Carnival Season in The Big Easy, pumping an already vibrant city with an intense level of vibrancy emanating from excited tourists. If you think women flashing their breasts during Mardi Gras is a relatively new phenomenon, then you are mistaken. The act — and I use the word "act" here because any longtime NOLA resident will 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? Mardi Gras is divided into six different zones that incorporate themed elements and spaces for hosting activities and events, over 20 dining options, and nearly the same number of bars and lounges. Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in Q: When and where do the Mardi Gras Indians parade? The Mardi Gras Indians only parade on Mardi Gras day and on Super Sunday (generally the 3rd Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day in March). The Mardi Gras day routes are not published anywhere, but they happen in and around their inner-city neighborhoods. The term "Mardi Gras" is commonly used to refer to the entire Carnival season, but Mardi Gras (a.k.a. "Fat Tuesday") is actually just a one day, pre-Lent party. When is Mardi Gras?
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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