Know Before You Go: Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Mardi Gras—also known as Fat Tuesday or Carnaval/Carnival—is celebrated on the last day before Lent. This is the period in which Christians (especially Catholics) abstain from certain foods and activities for six weeks leading up to Easter Sunday.

Mardi Gras celebrations are historically the last chance to celebrate and feast before this period of more solemn practices. Many places (including Venice, Rio de Janeiro, and Trinidad and Tobago) have famous celebrations, but New Orleans is one of the largest and most iconic.

The start of Mardi Gras season is always the twelfth night after Christmas, which is January 5. The first Carnival parades and celebrations traditionally take place in New Orleans on January 6. However, the length of the Carnival season depends on when Easter falls, and so it changes annually.

Did you know?: Many believe that the first Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans happened in 1699, observed by some of the first French settlers.

Most hotels are downtown, and since New Orleans is relatively compact, it’s easy to get to key attractions. Know that staying in the French Quarter will likely be lively, busy, and noisy during Mardi Gras. Book accommodation as early as possible, even a year in advance or more.

Insider tip: When it comes to what to wear for Mardi Gras, be as inventive and expressive as you possibly can. There is no such thing as overdoing it. Locals will appreciate any effort made to dress up, and the more elaborate your costume is, the better.

There are several elements to celebrating Mardi Gras season. Parades are some of the most popular Mardi Gras events. There are around 80 parades in New Orleans throughout Carnival season, and they generally happen with increased frequency and size as Fat Tuesday approaches.

Parades are organized by krewes (see below) and can vary in size and theme. At the parades, the krewes toss out plastic trinkets (throws) to the crowds, usually brightly-colored plastic beads. Some krewes have special throws, such as hand-decorated shoes or coconuts, that are highly coveted.

Local shops also sell King Cake, a confection that is only eaten during Carnival. Wearing costumes, especially on Mardi Gras day, is also customary.

Did you know?: Around 1 million visitors pass through New Orleans each Mardi Gras season.

Krewes are semi-secret social clubs that each organize their own parades and costumed balls throughout Carnival. Some were founded over 100 years ago.

There are several super krewes that produce the largest parades, featuring many enormous, decorative floats pulled by tractors. Super krewes typically have over 1,000 members and parades with 500 or more riders. Their members pay dues to be on the floats and also pay for their own throws. There are also dozens of smaller krewes, many of which put on walking parades at various locations around the city.

Did you know?: The Mistick Krewe of Comus, founded in 1856, is the oldest surviving krewe in New Orleans.

There’s a parade for everyone during Mardi Gras. Dog lovers should head to Krewe of Barkus, which is a parade of costumed dogs. If you like science fiction, then Chewbacchus (named after the Wookie in Star Wars) is a celebration of all things nerdy. The Krewe of Tit Rex puts on one of the most charming parades, as their members make miniature, shoebox-sized floats, pulling them along on strings. Krewe du Vieux is an adult, satirical parade.

The Orpheus, Bacchus, and Endymion parades feature the most elaborate and extravagant floats. Zulu, Rex, and Muses are also among the larger and best-attended parades. Zulu is a historic African-American krewe, and Muses is a more recent addition to Carnival, with its membership exclusively for women. The Zulu and Rex parades take place on Mardi Gras Day.

There’s an overwhelming amount of events, so pick and choose your favorites. A solid strategy is to attend some of the larger parades put on by the super krewes and some smaller or niche parades.

People set up early for parades, so stake out a spot and bring snacks and drinks with you. Dressing up is absolutely encouraged. It’s easy to get excited about throws, so be careful not to jostle nearby children or push others. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the community spirit.

Insider tip: Most of the large parades roll from uptown towards downtown along St. Charles Avenue, although Endymion moves through Mid City along Orleans Avenue.

Although there are plenty of events from Twelfth Night onwards, Mardi Gras kicks up a gear from the Thursday before Fat Tuesday. On Thursday night, the Krewe of Muses rolls followed on Friday night when the Krewe of Morpheus parades. These larger parades often have celebrity guests as their king or queen.

On Saturday, catch the Endymion parade, one of the most popular and busiest parades. Sunday and Monday have Bacchus and Orpheus, and Monday is known as Lundi Gras.

A classic Mardi Gras Day entails getting up early to see Zulu at 8am and Rex at 11am. From there, pick your own adventure. For rowdy excess, Bourbon Street is the obvious destination, but the entire French Quarter is awash with costumes, colorful walking parades, and music in some form on every corner.

There’s a vivid sense of shared experience during Mardi Gras, and just walking around is a joy. Dress up, keep an open mind, and enjoy the euphoric atmosphere. Just remember that Carnival season is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself.

Insider tip: Drinking on the street in plastic containers is perfectly legal in New Orleans. Urinating in public is harshly punished, though, so find a bathroom or port-a-potty instead.