Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans, and it’s one of the most famous celebrations in the world. With its vibrant parades, intricate costumes, lively music, and rich traditions, Mardi Gras is an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike. This annual festival, also known as Fat Tuesday, marks the last day before the Christian season of Lent begins, but in New Orleans, the festivities begin weeks in advance. If you’re planning to visit the Big Easy for Mardi Gras, here’s everything you need to know about this iconic celebration.
The History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mardi Gras has deep historical roots, dating back to the French colonists who brought the tradition to Louisiana in the early 18th century. The phrase “Mardi Gras” means “Fat Tuesday” in French, referring to the day of indulgence before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Over the centuries, Mardi Gras in New Orleans has evolved into a grand celebration that reflects the city’s unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole cultures.
The first official Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans was held in the 1830s, and it has since grown into an event featuring elaborate floats, masked balls, and colorful costumes. Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated with a series of parades, parties, and street festivities that attract visitors from around the world.
When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras falls on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, but the festivities begin weeks before. The date of Mardi Gras changes each year because it’s tied to the Christian liturgical calendar, with the celebration occurring 47 days before Easter. The peak of Mardi Gras occurs during the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, with the most extravagant parades and parties happening during this time.
To plan your trip, be sure to check the specific dates for Mardi Gras each year, as they can vary between early February and early March. In 2024, Mardi Gras will be celebrated on February 13.
The Krewes and Parades
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is organized by krewes, social organizations that host parades and balls throughout the season. Each krewe has its own theme, traditions, and parade route, and they play a major role in making Mardi Gras the spectacle it is today. The most well-known krewes include Krewe of Rex, Krewe of Zulu, Krewe of Bacchus, and Krewe of Endymion.
- Krewe of Rex is one of the oldest krewes, known for its lavish floats and the crowning of the Rex, King of Carnival.
- Krewe of Zulu is celebrated for its unique African American heritage and signature coconut throws.
- Krewe of Bacchus and Krewe of Endymion are among the largest krewes, known for their celebrity monarchs, enormous floats, and breathtaking parades.
The parades are the heart of Mardi Gras, featuring dazzling floats, masked riders, and bands. As the floats pass by, riders toss out throws, which include beads, doubloons, cups, and other trinkets that have become a hallmark of the celebration. Catching throws from the passing floats is one of the most exciting parts of the parade, and many people bring bags to collect as many beads and goodies as possible.
Must-See Parades
If you’re attending Mardi Gras for the first time, there are a few parades that should be on your must-see list:
- Krewe of Bacchus (Held the Sunday before Fat Tuesday): Famous for its huge floats and celebrity monarchs, Bacchus is one of the most anticipated parades.
- Krewe of Zulu (Fat Tuesday morning): Known for its vibrant traditions and coveted coconut throws, Zulu is a unique and lively parade.
- Krewe of Rex (Fat Tuesday afternoon): As the official King of Carnival, Rex is one of the most important parades during Mardi Gras, filled with elaborate floats and regal pageantry.
- Krewe of Endymion (Saturday before Fat Tuesday): One of the largest and most spectacular parades, Endymion’s float designs and massive crowds are unforgettable.
These parades are not only a feast for the eyes but also a cultural celebration of the city’s rich traditions and community spirit.
Mardi Gras Traditions and Customs
Mardi Gras is steeped in long-standing traditions that make it more than just a parade or party. Here are some customs that are central to the celebration:
- King Cake: A delicious Mardi Gras staple, King Cake is a sweet, cinnamon-flavored pastry decorated in the signature Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. Hidden inside the cake is a small plastic baby, and tradition holds that whoever finds the baby in their slice must host the next Mardi Gras party.
- Costumes and Masks: Wearing costumes and masks is a Mardi Gras tradition that dates back to the early days of the celebration. While riders on the floats are required to wear masks, many parade-goers also dress up in elaborate costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere. Purple, green, and gold are the official colors of Mardi Gras, representing justice, faith, and power.
- Throws: One of the most exciting Mardi Gras traditions is catching throws from the parade floats. Beads, doubloons, and other trinkets are tossed into the crowd, and parade-goers eagerly reach out to catch them. Some throws, like the Zulu coconuts or the Rex doubloons, are considered highly prized collectibles.
How to Experience Mardi Gras Like a Local
While Mardi Gras is famous worldwide, locals have their own ways of enjoying the celebration that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Here are a few insider tips to help you experience Mardi Gras like a local:
- Plan Early: Mardi Gras is one of the busiest times of the year in New Orleans, so it’s essential to plan your trip well in advance. Book your hotel months ahead, especially if you want to stay near the parade routes. Be prepared for crowds and road closures, especially in the French Quarter and along Charles Avenue.
- Explore Beyond Bourbon Street: While the French Quarter is at the center of the Mardi Gras action, many locals prefer watching parades from other areas like Uptown and the Garden District. These neighborhoods offer a more family-friendly atmosphere with smaller crowds, allowing you to enjoy the parades up close.
- Respect the Culture: Mardi Gras is more than just a party – it’s a cultural celebration with deep roots in New Orleans. Be respectful of local traditions, and remember that Mardi Gras is a family event for many locals. Be mindful of your behavior, clean up after yourself, and enjoy the festivities responsibly.
Mardi Gras Beyond Fat Tuesday
While Fat Tuesday is the climax of Mardi Gras, the celebration extends far beyond that one day. The weeks leading up to Mardi Gras are packed with parades, balls, and parties. The Carnival season officially begins on Twelfth Night (January 6th), with the Krewe of Joan of Arc parade marking the start of the season.
Visit New Orleans in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. You’ll have the chance to experience smaller parades, attend a masked ball, and enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere without the massive crowds that arrive on Fat Tuesday itself.
Plan Your Mardi Gras Adventure
Attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans is an experience like no other. From the breathtaking parades to the rich traditions and vibrant energy of the city, it’s a celebration you’ll never forget. Whether you’re catching beads at a parade, indulging in King Cake, or dancing in the streets, Mardi Gras offers a truly unique way to experience New Orleans culture at its best.
