New Orleans comes alive during Mardi Gras in ways that are impossible to capture until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. The vibrant parades, dazzling costumes, and infectious energy create an experience that's truly one-of-a-kind—but, let’s be honest, it can also overwhelm first-timers. Mardi Gras in New Orleans? It’s all about celebration! Overall, this time of year in New Orleans is a time for celebration. That’s the whole idea behind Mardi Gras! To celebrate! The best way to enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and the best way to truly understand what happens in Mardi Gras in New Orleans, is to get out and experience it! While Mardi Gras has a somewhat seedy reputation, that misconception is largely fueled by drunken and misbehaved tourists unaccustomed to New Orleans' special brand of partying. First off, Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday" is actually just one day, the culmination of a month-long Carnival Season. It's also a statewide public holiday in 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. Mardi Gras in New Orleans: what to eat, drink and do. From king cakes and costumes to parades and parties, here's what to know about Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Wednesday January 22 2025. 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 Webber, a New Orleans native, said Mardi Gras isn’t just a party but a cultural celebration in Louisiana. Mardi Gras allows people to celebrate before the Lenten season, where people become more First-Timers New Orleans Mardi Gras Guide. Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday” in French, is a carnival celebration that takes place in many parts of the world, but is especially famous in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. The festival is held annually on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Christian season of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Mardi Gras is more than just a celebration – it’s a cultural phenomenon that captures the spirit of New Orleans like nothing else. From unforgettable parades and live music to rich traditions like King Cake, Krewe balls, and catching throws, every moment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Carnival. Carnival is a season that stretches from the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (January 6) and then fully culminating the day before Ash Wednesday. Each year Mardi Gras falls on a different date, always 47 before Easter. What to Expect at Mardi Gras With Kids. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the best, and you should plan to catch a ton. In fact, I usually tell people to visit New Orleans the week or two before Mardi Gras, since you'll still get a taste of all the festivities while still enjoying the rest of the magic the city has to offer. After a de facto cancellation last year, New Orleans' Mardi Gras events are returning in 2022 with a full roster of parades reinstated. But with concerns about the Omicron variant still swirling In our latest travel vlog as we venture to the Big Easy, providing a firsthand perspective of what to expect during Mardi Gras in New Orleans (NOLA). Immerse Most locals refer to Mardi Gras as the final two weekends of the celebration, when most of the parades and events take place. When to Visit for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. You can visit any time during Carnival (between January 6th and March 4th, 2025) to experience parades and festivities. – What is Mardi Gras – Mardi Gras is the last Tuesday (also known ‘Fat Tuesday’) before Ash Wednesday when Lent begins. There are celebrations for weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday known as Carnival. Krewes (pronounced the same way as “crews”) are the organizations that put on parades and balls throughout Carnival season. Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana is an iconic celebration that welcomes nearly 1.5 million visitors each year, so it’s no surprise that planning your first visit to this world-famous holiday can be quite the daunting task. We had the joy of visiting our first Mardi Gras in 2023 and came up with a list of the top things that we think every Mardi Gras goer could benefit from knowing before Don’t plan on vacationing in New Orleans during Mardi Gras unless you are coming specifically for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is also the worst time to experience the "real New Orleans" as the entire city is centered around the parades. Most restaurants and attractions will be closed and there will be insanely long wait times for the ones that are The streets are packed with revelers, and the atmosphere is electric. If you’re planning on visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras, be sure to plan ahead and book your accommodations early. It’s a weekend you won’t want to miss! There are approximately 80 parades in and around the greater New Orleans area this weekend. When is Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Those not from New Orleans tend to think that Mardi Gras is celebrated for a week or on a specific day. In actuality, it’s celebrated for much longer, starting on January 6 th and ending on “Fat Tuesday” which alternates every year between February or March. When is the Best Time to Enjoy Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras Terminology. As a visitor to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you’ll likely hear a variety of unique terms. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular phrases and traditions, along with their meanings. While many Mardi Gras celebrations have religious roots, you don’t have to be religious to fully enjoy and embrace the festivities!
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