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Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans Mardi Gras reflects this diversity through its music, food, art, and traditions. It’s a time when the community comes together to celebrate its rich history and showcase the vibrant culture that makes New Orleans so unique. Community and Unity. Mardi Gras is also a celebration of community. Parades, balls, and parties bring people together in New Orleans was established in 1718 by Bienville. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans, but not with the parades we know today. In the early 1740s, Louisiana's governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established elegant society balls, which became the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today. Why does New Orleans celebrate Mardi Gras? Although it is a Christian holiday now, Mardi Gras is a holiday that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites, according to the The season, which represents a time of celebration before Christian Lent, lasts until Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is March 4, 2025. Between January 6 and March 4, enjoy parades, king cake, community celebrations, and more. For a list of future Mardi Gras Day dates, see here. Where in New Orleans can I experience Mardi Gras? James R. Creecy in his book Scenes in the South, and Other Miscellaneous Pieces describes New Orleans Mardi Gras in 1835: [3] The Carnival at New Orleans, 1885. Shrove Tuesday is a day to be remembered by strangers in New Orleans, for that is the day for fun, frolic, and comic masquerading. 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. Distinctive traditions, such as elaborate parades, extravagant costumes, and the exchange of throws, make Mardi Gras in New Orleans a truly one-of-a-kind event. The festival has a profound impact on local businesses and community life, boosting the economy and bringing people together in celebration. Historical Origins of Mardi Gras in New Orleans The very first American Mardi Gras celebration took place in March 1699 after two French settlers landed near present-day New Orleans and brought their traditions with them. The French colonists who followed over the proceeding decades introduced the "Galette des Rois," or king cake, which is how it became a New Orleanian symbol. Mardi Gras is known for its indulgence—and no food is more ubiquitous in New Orleans during Carnival season than the king cake. This ring-shaped, yellow, green, and white-colored cake is baked But, the hosts aren't done yet. The TODAY anchors will also be hosting a separate event called Taste of New Orleans. This will food-fantastic event will feature local New Orleans chefs who will be sharing their best Mardi Gras memories and favorite Mardi Gras dishes. We can't wait to see what they cook up. Tickets can be purchased here. Mardi Gras is always a spectacular event in New Orleans, but Mardi Gras 2025 is set to be the most exciting one yet. With brand-new parade themes, more immersive experiences, and a renewed spirit in the city, this year’s celebration will be one for the history books. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Mardi Gras reveler, here’s everything you need to know to make the most Mardi Gras may be best known for the massive celebrations in New Orleans and Mobile, but in Pensacola, the annual festival has grown into a unique and vibrant tradition of its own. With a strong focus on inclusivity, community, and economic impact, Pensacola’s Mardi Gras has become one of the city’s most significant annual events. The History of New Orleans Mardi Gras . Although the date of the first organized celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is debatable, the 1730 account of one Marc-Antoine Caillot (a young clerk sent to Louisiana by the French Company of the Indies) mentions a celebration with music and dance, mask-wearing and costumes—including cross-dressing. Your ticket includes VIP entry to four of New Orleans' top bars and clubs, exclusive drink specials, free shots at each venue, fun drinking games, festive Mardi Gras beads, a personalized party name tag, and professional party hosts to guide you through the craziness of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. A “cultural revolution on wheels.” That's how the Krewe of ALLA describes its Mardi Gras parade this year. Named in honor of Algiers, La., the 93-year-old New Orleans krewe rolls through Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritual celebrations. New Orleans has been celebrating Mardi Gras for hundreds of years, and is the largest masked party in North America. In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints. They say when LSU was deciding on its colors, the shops in New Orleans had stocked up on purple, green, and gold for the Mardi Gras season. LSU decided upon purple and gold, and bought much of it. Tulane bought much of the only remaining color – green. Why is Mardi Gras so late this year? Because it’s linked to Easter, the date of Mardi Gras can fall anywhere between Feb. 3 and March 9. That’s because Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This year’s date of March 4 is one of the latest possible. Over the years New Orleans Mom has assembled lots of tips for enjoying Mardi Gras with kids, including 22 tips for enjoying Mardi Gras as a beginner, a list of insider tips from the parade route, the 10 king cakes in New Orleans you have to try and even how to make an easy king cake at home with kids.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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