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 What is the History of Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras originated in New Orleans the day Iberville stood on our land in 1699. Since then, balls have become a tradition of the season to represent members of society. From the past to the present, Mardi Gras is full of traditions. Mardi Gras balls began in the 1700s and still exist today. From practical advice about comfortable footwear to insider secrets (including one award-winning chef's sage advice about what you should never drink before 9 a.m. on Mardi Gras Day), these locals share their hard-earned tips to help you celebrate like a true New Orleanian. 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. Why You Should Visit New Orleans During Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a fantastic experience. People really get into the spirit, with awesome costumes in the crowd, and a real party atmosphere pervades the city. And that’s not even mentioning the floats, which are truly mobile works of art. You can also still see a lot in New Orleans, as we did. This first-time New Orleans Mardi Gras guide shares everything you need to know about visiting NOLA during the carnival season, including Mardi Gras tips, best parades, partying on Bourbon Street, hotels, restaurants, bars, activities, and more. 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. A few main concerns of attending Mardi Gras include how big the crowds are for such a town such as New Orleans. If you live in a bigger city such as Seattle, New York City, or Los Angeles, then you’re probably aware of the chaos that goes down at the parades, as well as other similar big events that take place. Here's everything you need to know about Mardi Gras in New Orleans, including the best places to stay, eat and drink. Uptown Costume and Funky Monkey are go-to spots for Mardi Gras costumes 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. 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. 📍 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. Mardi Gras 2025 New Orleans is set to be an unforgettable experience in a city where celebration is practically a way of life. Picture this: vibrant, sequined parades streaming down historic avenues, the tantalizing smell of king cakes wafting through the air, and the joyful clamor of jazz music echoing from every street corner. 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 I know I'm going to surprise some of you when I say, Mardi Gras is largely a family event.While it has a reputation for being a weekend of debauchery, most of that's consolidated into the downtown area (read: where the tourists are in the French Quarter). Mardi Gras in New Orleans :: It Gets Easier (and More Fun!) with Kids as They Grow. We all very much know that Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the most magical and unique experiences in the world, and it’s not just for adults. For families with young children, the idea of braving the parades may seem daunting — but take heart!
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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