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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. If you can only make it for one day, come for Mardi Gras, March 4. Come early - the parades start at 8 a.m. and there will be lots of competition for the best spots. However, it’s worth it as you watch hundreds of years of traditions pass you by, the costumes that can’t be topped, and hoards of people having the time of their life on the 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 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. Masks were first worn to escape society and class constraints. If you would like to sell Mardi Gras souvenirs or pre-packaged food you'll need a permit from the city of New Orleans. Prices range from $500 to $2,000 depending on whether you'll be walking or have a fixed location. Learn more about permit details. Q: Can I book Mardi Gras Indians for a private event such a wedding? Mardi Gras allows people to celebrate before the Lenten season, where people become more disciplined and give up habits for 40 days. “It’s a pre-Lent party to go into something that is very Got a go-cup? You’re going to need to go! Knowing the location of the closest port-o-potty during a parade is essential to having a good time at Mardi Gras. Unless you’ve purchased a bathroom pass or a parade package or have a hotel room close by, you’ll be looking for a port-o-potty. Best Mardi Gras Throws. If you think the only thing that gets thrown at Mardi Gras parades are beads, you would be wrong. Let’s start with some of the most prized throws and then move our way down to the most practical ones. Here we go! A Zulu coconut. These are thrown (handed, rather) by the Krewe of Zulu. This parade takes place on Mardi Related: 10 things you should know before your first Mardi Gras trip. Where to eat during Mardi Gras. You're going to be spending a lot of time on the parade route during Mardi Gras, and frankly will end up going to whatever the nearest restaurant is when you're too hungry to stand. 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. How many times should you go? If you choose to attend the festive and upbeat celebration, just because you attend it once, doesn’t mean you have to keep attending it. In fact, just going that one time for the experience can be more than enough. This way, you can say that you’ve attended Mardi Gras, which is more than other people can say. 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 As popular as it may sound, you may want to consider what Mardi Gras is all about. Should Christians celebrate Mardi Gras? What does the Bible say about Mardi Gras? Is God happy or pleased when Christians celebrate it? In this post, let me answer those questions by giving you 5 reasons why you should NOT celebrate Mardi Gras. Transportation Tips for Mardi Gras . If you’re visiting NOLA during Mardi Gras, getting around requires some planning since many streets are closed for parades. The best way to get around is by using public transportation, ride shares, or your good old feet. Pro Tip: Stay near the parade routes to save your energy for the festivities. Streetcars stop running in this area during Mardi Gras, so even though you can’t take them to where you want to set up, you also don’t have to worry about kids’ safety around the tracks. Parades also go down the streets of suburban areas, like Metairie – only 15 minutes away from downtown New Orleans. This guide will help you decide the best time for your Mardi Gras 2025 adventure. Understanding the Mardi Gras Timeline. Mardi Gras isn't just one day; it's a season! The festivities officially begin on Twelfth Night (January 6th), but the real action ramps up in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day). If you’re not a big partier, do not go during Mardi Gras!! If you want a similar, but much easier experience, go during another parade holiday (St. Patrick’s, mid summer Mardi Gras, etc)! You get the best (outdoor parties, parades, shut down streets) but without the insanity and ferocity of Mardi Gras. We have an all-in-one Mardi Gras guide with additional details about the celebration year-to-year, but we’ve created this guide as your go-to resource specifically for planning Mardi Gras 2025. From this year’s key parade and event dates to updated safety info and local insights, we’ve got you covered. What is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras—also known as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Carnival—is a debaucherous prelude to Lent, a six-week-long religious fast observed before Easter. The legacy of Mardi Gras can be traced to European Carnival celebrations during the 17th and 18th centuries. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Mardi Gras 2025 in New Orleans. Mardi Gras: Everything You Need To Know. One of the highlights of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the elaborate parades organized by various krewes (social organizations). Read our guide on the parade routes.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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