There are almost as many misconceptions about Mardi Gras as there are airborne strands of beads at any given moment during a parade. A few things to know right off the bat: You don’t need a ticket (just show up); Carnival takes place over weeks, not a single day; and yes, it is family-friendly (as long as you stay away from Bourbon Street).
What else should you know? A lot of stuff. For Mardi Gras 101, here’s our guide to the most epic free party on earth.
When is Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
Mardi Gras takes place on Tuesday, February 13 this year. The date changes each year, but here’s a rule of thumb: Easter always takes place on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, and Mardi Gras happens 41 days before Easter. It can be as early as February 3 or as late as March 9, depending on when Easter falls. Simple, right? Ha, just kidding.
The lunar calendar and its interactions with the ecclesiastical calendar are complex, to say the least, so all you really need to remember is that Mardi Gras takes place on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday kicks off 40 days of pious abnegation among New Orleans’ historically Catholic population. Overindulgence is the whole point, which is why the celebration is called Carnival (derived from the Latin words for farewell to the flesh -- and many locals do abstain from meat throughout Lent).
What does the Mardi Gras parade schedule look like?
Mardi Gras parades start rolling as early as January 6, when Carnival season kicks off. During the two weeks prior to Fat Tuesday, things really kick into high gear. More than 50 parades roll in the greater New Orleans area (not counting the impromptu second lines, walking krewes, and street parties that inevitably pop up). Check the comprehensive parade schedule, and know that basically, parades roll from dawn till dusk during the final days leading up to Mardi Gras.
Routes vary, but most major parades in New Orleans proper follow the time-honored St. Charles Avenue-to-Canal Street route. (Definitely avoid these streets; they’ll be blocked off by police barricades and thousands and thousands of revelers.) And because delays happen, it’s always a good idea to download a parade tracker app and check the Regional Transport Authority’s map of detours.
What's the New Orleans weather forecast?
A word to our out-of-town guests: February is a mixed bag. The weather can be balmy, sunny, and conducive to a costume consisting of nothing but body paint. Or it can be cold, wet, and dreary. One thing that you’ll almost never see in New Orleans, however, is snow. February’s average high is 64 degrees. Right now, Mardi Gras Day is predicted to be 72 degrees and rainy, but that’s obviously subject to change.
What kind of Mardi Gras outfit should I wear?
Dress for an event that’s half masquerade ball, half endurance race. You’ll be walking, standing, catching beads, drinking, and dancing outside for hours on end, so comfortable footwear, sunscreen, and water are a must. Note that drinking on the streets is legal in New Orleans, meaning you might want to bring a flask, too. A small backpack can come in handy, and if you plan in advance, you can incorporate it into your costume.
A costume, by the way, is a must. Almost everyone dresses up in costumes on Mardi Gras day, and you’ll stand out like a sore thumb in jeans and polar fleece. Even if it’s just a mask and a T-shirt shop boa, make some effort to dress up -- that’s half the fun. In the event of cold weather, a wig, layered tights, and colorful coat are your best strategies when it comes to looking festive but feeling cozy.
And it should be said that although the NOPD generally turns a blind eye to flashing, they aren’t so forgiving when it comes to public urination -- that’s an express ride to Central Lockup. Also, it’s just gross. Don’t do it.
What are the Mardi Gras colors?
Just look at the colored sugar topping any king cake and you’ll see the hallowed Mardi Gras colors: purple, green, and gold. Purple symbolizes justice, gold symbolizes power, and green symbolizes faith, as designated by the 1892 Rex parade. Legend also says the Louisiana State University Tigers got their school colors (purple and gold) because ribbons in those color were readily available during Carnival season.
What's up with all the Mardi Gras beads?
Carnival is a time to upend the existing power structure. Krewe members riding in parades throw beads and doubloons, meant to symbolize wealth, to the frenzied masses -- symbolically throwing away their wealth. And also, like so many other Carnival traditions, beads gained popularity with Rex riders started throwing them in the late 1800s.
What should you do off the parade routes?
Much of your Mardi Gras experience will consist of costuming, viewing parades, and taking care of bodily needs: finding sanitary places to pee, getting food, procuring alcohol, etc. The closer you get to the parade routes or the Downtown celebration hot spots, the more crowded and crazy things will be. Venture into residential surrounding areas to avoid lines and long waits. Lower Decatur Street, Marigny, and Bywater have a host of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops; plus, you might encounter the Society of St. Anne walking parade if you get up early enough. In the French Quarter, get some distance from Bourbon Street’s crowds and hit up a bar like The Abbey or Erin Rose that’s off the beaten path (though crowded is a relative term on Mardi Gras day). Be sure to use the restroom while you’re there -- clean places to pee are rare on Mardi Gras. You might even want to tuck a few squares of toilet paper into your pocket before leaving the house.
Street parties almost always pop up in the Marigny Triangle on Frenchmen Street, and Woldenberg Park or Washington Square Park offer places to chill out. Note that there are plenty of events and things to do every day in New Orleans too; we have a full calendar to help you out with your decision making. And if it’s your first time in the Crescent City, Thrillist’s DestiNATION New Orleans travel guide will point you to the best places to drink, essential foods to try, and rookie mistakes to avoid.
What hotels are available in New Orleans for Mardi Gras?
You’ll find plenty of high-rise corporate hotels in the downtown, French Quarter area, which offer the best proximity to Mardi Gras (many sit right on Canal Street, the parade route). You can also book an Airbnb or venture into the suburbs -- Kenner, Metairie, the West Bank, and New Orleans East for more affordable options.
How do I get around during Mardi Gras?
Walking is your best option. Between street closures, parades and the hundreds of thousands of tourists clogging the city’s major thoroughfares, you won’t want to attempt driving. Ride-share apps often employ surge pricing. You can snag a pedicab, take the bus, or use a bike share program.
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