Mardi Gras, translated from French to mean “Fat Tuesday,” is the culmination of multiple weeks of carnival celebrations, and not a one day extravaganza as many people believe. Carnival season begins on January 6th every year, gradually increasing in parade frequency and grandeur until the grand finale which occurs on Fat Tuesday, the day Mardi Gras Tip #7 Do Not Jump the Parade Barriers. Police barriers will line the parade routes. They are there for a reason and aren’t meant to be jumped. They are really for the safety of parade attendees, helping them avoid getting hit by a parade float or vehicle. Mardi Gras Tip #8 Don’t Mess With the Cops or Their Horses Don’t do it, you will either get towed or get an annoying parking ticket. We recommend carpooling, getting someone to drop you off or use public transportation. Do take note however, that the streetcar has a different schedule during Mardi Gras. 12. Do Wear a Costume Mardi gras is the time to get that crazy costume out. What Mardi Gras attendees can do, however, is dress up in fun and fancy ways. Some people opt for elaborate costumes in the colors of Mardi Gras, while others stick to traditional carnival attire. Don't Take Chances At Being Late If you’re looking for a quick escape from the Mardi Gras chaos, stop by Pêche and go see Chef Nikki. Everyone wants king cake during Mardi Gras, but not all are worth the hype. Dong Phuong makes the best, hands down. - Ashwin Vilkhu Co-Executive Chef, Saffron and Executive Chef, The Kingsway (opening soon!) DO bag trash and place it curbside after the parade, which will be picked up Wednesday. DO NOT run up to or near the floats, and DO NOT chase the floats. DO NOT throw anything at the floats or its riders. DO NOT ride a bike, skateboard, rollerblades, or hoverboards along the parade route. DO NOT bring glass containers. DO NOT obstruct sidewalks. 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 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 is a season all about revelry, excess, and snatching as many bedazzled high-heels, coconuts, captain’s hats, shrimp boots, and grails from mid-air as one’s arms can carry. But just The season, which represents a time of celebration before Christian Lent, lasts until Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is March 4, 2025. Between January 6 and March 4, enjoy parades, king cake, community celebrations, and more. For a list of future Mardi Gras Day dates, see here. Where in New Orleans can I experience Mardi Gras? Some people refer to Carnival and Mardi Gras interchangeably, although Carnival technically stretches the whole season from January 6th to Fat Tuesday, while Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday itself. No matter when Fat Tuesday falls in a given year, there is an entire Carnival season leading up to it, filled with weeks of parades, parties, and It’s one the largest personal collections of Mardi Gras costumes in the city, and it tells the story of the walking clubs, masquerade balls, Mardi Gras Indians, krewe royalty, Social Aid and Pleasure clubs, and Cajun Mardi Gras. The museum’s costume closet is massive, and it does rentals, with prices starting as low as $75. Fifi Mahony’s I had a friend ask me to make a cheat sheet for her of what to and what not to do during Mardi Gras. This friend is from out of town and will be experiencing Mardi Gras for the first time. So it got me to thinking – maybe there are others in the community who are new to Mardi Gras and would like to see how this all works. What do you wear to a Mardi Gras party? Mardi Gras is a time to let loose and have some fun. The dress code for Mardi Gras parties can range from casual to dressy depending on the event you are attending. For casual Mardi Gras events, think bright colors, masks, and fun outfits like jumpsuits or rompers. The right way to do Mardi Gras in St. Louis is to participate in more than just the one Saturday since there are events most weekends from 12th Night (Jan 6) to the Saturday Party Party. Here is a link to the event schedule. I highly recommend going out the weekend before the Mardi Gras Saturday for the Taste of Soulard! Top 2: Mardi Gras has pagan roots. To truly understand what Mardi Gras is all about, you need to read a little of history. For one, please note that Mardi Gras is actually celebrated not just in one specific day. In some countries, the celebration starts in January and culminates in the day before the Lent Season starts. In places like New Orleans, Mardi Gras is not just a holiday; it is a celebration of the city’s unique cultural heritage. New Orleans has long been a melting pot of different cultures, including French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences. Mardi Gras reflects this diversity through its music, food, art, and traditions. Mardi Gras may have grown to represent more than the beginning of a season of fasting, but we have the choice as the Church to take these moments, these times like Mardi Gras, to reflect on the life of Jesus — it’s actually an opportunity to live not for our basest desires, but following the way of Christ. Share the history of Mardi Gras. Find out if any of your residents have experienced Mardi Gras in person. String green, purple, and gold beads to create Mardi Gras necklaces or bracelets. I find this activity works well for Memory Care. Host a Mardi Gras potluck or cooking contest for staff. Invite a local celebrity to come in and serve as the Two Mardi Gras sweet treats—king cake and beignets—combine to make one adorable and delicious dish for your Fat Tuesday menu. Get The Recipe. 26 of 39.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |