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 It's time to celebrate, everyone! Some of our favorite morning show anchors from TODAY are headed to the New Orleans to take in the atmosphere of celebrate Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras, also known as 'Fat Tuesday' is March 4, 2025. But on February 28, before the festivities begin, the gang from the 3rd Mardi Gras event organizers advise spectators to bring their rain gear just in case showers or thunderstorms move into the area earlier than anticipated.. The NWS’s New Orleans office has created a special web page dedicated to Mardi Gras weather updates and expects the most significant chance of rain to occur between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday. The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer are down in the Big Easy to celebrate Mardi Gras and hold a special Taste of New Orleans event with TODAY Food. (Sponsored by New Orleans & Company) Feb. 28 Following the Jan. 1 truck attack that killed 14 people in the heart of New Orleans, the Department of Homeland Security upgraded Mardi Gras to its highest risk rating. This means there will be significantly more law enforcement officers present than in prior years, said Eric DeLaune, who is leading Mardi Gras security as special agent in The first Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. took place in 1699, but celebrations were temporarily banned when Spain took control of New Orleans. Mardi Gras is celebrated annually, with the But this year, Johnson, a New Orleans-area native, did not know what to expect during Mardi Gras. Only two months ago, a driver raced a rented Ford F-150 truck down several crowded blocks of Though Carnival is celebrated differently around the world, few celebrations rival Mardi Gras, which draws over one million visitors annually to enjoy the party that New Orleanians hold so dear. Celebrate Mardi Gras traditions throughout New Orleans: Twelfth Night, Chewbacchus, Zulu, Rex and more. Click here to find the best Mardi Gras events in New Orleans. Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer are down in the Big Easy to celebrate Mardi Gras and hold a special Taste of New Orleans event with TODAY Food. (Sponsored by New Orleans & Company) IE 11 Carnival celebrations — parties, fancy masked balls and other markers of the season — may start on Jan. 6, but the big buildup to Mardi Gras happens in New Orleans in the final 12 days of the season, with large parades rolling past mansions on St. Charles Avenue and into the downtown area of office buildings and hotels. Founded in 1933, the Krewe of Mid-City is the 5th-oldest continuously parading organization of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Often called "The best day parade in Mardi Gras," Mid-City has gained a reputation for having themes dedicated to children and for having some of the best bands in Mardi read more » 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 The holiday of Mardi Gras is celebrated in southern Louisiana, including the city of New Orleans.Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday (the start of lent in the Western Christian tradition). The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. The celebrations continue until the stroke of midnight on Mardi Gras, when the New Orleans Police Department follows tradition by sweeping Bourbon Street on horseback, bringing the season to an official close. The Parades Of Mardi Gras. The essence of Mardi Gras lies in its parades. Mardi Gras History and Traditions Learn about the famed celebration's cultural roots and traditions. Mardi Gras is so much more special when you understand what you’re celebrating and what each tradition means to the generations of parade-goers who have stood on parade routes before you. Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. New Orleans always celebrates the start of the week with red beans & rice but, on the day before Mardi Gras, we take Mondays to a whole new level. Head down to Woldenberg Park on Monday, February 12th
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