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Despite what you might have heard, Mardi Gras actually is a family-friendly event. Image courtesy of Mills Baker via Flickr. 2. Carnival Veterans Go Long, Not Hard. Given that Mardi Gras is the culmination of a month-long party, any skillful local will avoid drinking the whole keg in a single night. Now, if you’re looking to get all crazy, Mardi Gras weekend starts with the parades Wednesday night (February 26) and continue through Fat Tuesday (March 4). Each night leading up to Mardi Gras there’s a parade, and that Saturday and Sunday there’s double doses of parades in the day and evening. The date of Mardi Gras changes every year because it's connected to Easter, which can fall on any Sunday between March 23 and April 25. Mardi Gras day always takes place 47 days before Easter. When is Mardi Gras? Q: Should we purchase seats for a Grandstand, like the parade reviewing stands on St. Charles Avenue? How can I get tickets? 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. Just call the Mardi Gras World shuttle service (number on their website), and they’ll come pick you up. Tickets for your visit and tour can be bought in advance here. Mardi Gras world is also included on the New Orleans sightseeing pass and t he Go City New Orleans Pass. 5. Visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Costume and Culture You do NOT have to visit the French Quarter to enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans like us locals do. Be careful. If you visit the French Quarter at night during Mardi Gras, hide your wallets well. Even your front pocket isn't safe. Wear shoes that can get dirty. Don't wear expensive jewelry, and don't carry a purse. Mardi Gras isn't the time to hold back and throw on jeans and a t-shirt. It might even be time to go on a shopping spree. Have fun with it. Where to stay during Mardi Gras. If it's your first Mardi Gras, you're likely going to want to be in the middle of all the action — as you should be. When and how long is Mardi Gras? Most people know Mardi Gras as the Tuesday before Lent but in reality, Mardi Gras season is about a month long! January 6, known as Epiphany, marks the start of the Carnival season each year. King cakes go on sale, Mardi Gras décor blossoms outside houses, and livers begin to quiver. Mardi Gras, a vibrant celebration culminating on Fat Tuesday, is a spectacle you won't want to miss. But with so much happening over several weeks, knowing when to go is key to maximizing your experience. This guide will help you decide the best time for your Mardi Gras 2025 adventure. Understanding the Mardi Gras Timeline 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. 3. Pick your neighborhood. Mardi Gras is intense, so pick your neighborhood to get your ideal dosage. If you seek debauchery, the French Quarter will not let you down. . However, celebrations elsewhere in the city—notably in Uptown along the St. Charles Avenue parade route or in Metairie along Veterans Memorial Boulevard—are much more family-oriented and tend to be dominated by locals, or While Mardi Gras officially takes place on Fat Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent—in New Orleans, annual Mardi Gras festivities start weeks beforehand. This article originally appeared online in 2018 and was most recently updated in November 2024. According to the History Channel, Mardi Gras first came to the United States “when the French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville camped about 60 miles downriver from the future site of New Orleans. Knowing it was Fat Tuesday back in France, Iberville named the spot Point du Mardi Gras and held a small gala. Answer 1 of 12: Hi! Some girl friends and I want to have a getaway. We decided on New Orleans, but are undecided if we should go during Mardi Gras. This will be all of first times visiting the area. A lot of tourists do their Mardi Gras downtown bc it's where Bourbon Street is. So, if you're downtown, you can wear whatever you want! Casual: comfy shoes, cute jeans, and a simple top are classic if you want. Mardi Gras colors are also a plus. Check the weather, too. That determines a lot. Now, when I go to Mardi Gras, I go Uptown or Midcity. I (22, f) have wanted to visit New Orleans for mardi gras for several years and can never find anyone to go with me, so I've decided to go alone. I'm in my 2nd year of law school and want to experience it before I'm a lawyer working 80 hour weeks! Shops like Miss Claudia’s Vintage, Uptown Costume and Funky Monkey are go-to spots for Mardi Gras costumes. If you’re not feeling creative, just throw on some purple, green and gold—the Superior Seafood is my uptown Mardi Gras staple. To-go drinks while on the route and a hearty meal after the parades. - Chasity Pugh Local Influencer, Mardi Gras is an integral part of the culture of New Orleans - like Loup mentioned, his mother-in-law participated for more than 50 years. This isn't *just* a big party, it is a cultural event spanning weeks with lots of parades, balls, and other events that go on. Your dog should be well-trained and predictable before you even consider taking them to Mardi Gras. Loud crowds, sirens, horses, and flying beads may spook even normally calm dogs, and there's no telling how a stressed dog will react.
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