Mardi Gras is definitely New Orleans’ most important festival. In a city that’s already renowned for having fun, Mardi Gras is when the city really explodes into a carnival of colour. If you’re coming to the city to be part of this amazing celebration then we think there are some things that you need to know so that you have the very best time in a city that’s all about the very best times.
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All you need to know about Mardi Gras in New Orleans
When is Mardi Gras 2024?
In 2024, Mardi Gras is on Tuesday February 13th. So, it’s time to start planning all the fun you’re going to have!
Origins of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is the traditional Christian festival that takes place before the start of Lent. Traditionally, it starts after Epiphany (January 6th), but it really gets going in the last few weeks before Ash Wednesday, culminating on Shrove Tuesday, which is known in French as Mardi Gras (literally Fat Tuesday).
During Lent, people had to make sacrifices to show their devotion to God, so they had to eat all the rich and fatty foods before Lent began. Hence Fat Tuesday! It was a time to party and let your hair down and fill your belly up before the serious stuff of Lent began.
History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mardi Gras has been celebrated in New Orleans for about three centuries, which is pretty much the entire time the city has existed. Mardi Gras really got going in the 19th century, when the first official parades were organised and the first krewes were founded. The krewes are the clubs that put on the various parades.
By 1875, Mardi Gras was such an important part of life in the Big Easy, it was made a state holiday. Over the years, Mardi Gras grew and grew, becoming part of the city’s very soul. Today, New Orleans means Mardi Gras like Rio means Carnival.
What to expect
Mardi Gras is a massive party. Perhaps today, it’s lost some of its original religious significance, but it’s lost none of its importance. In many ways, Mardi Gras is when New Orleans celebrates being New Orleans! And we think that’s definitely something worth celebrating. In the weeks leading up to the big day itself, there are more and more parades, which feature marching bands, massive floats and spectacularly dressed krewe members, who throw throws into the crowd.
Throws can be anything from plastic necklaces to signature throws such as shoes, genie lamps and purses and catching one is a big part of the fun! The range of costumes you’ll see is amazing. Our favourites are the Mardi Gras Indians, who wear incredible Native American-inspired costumes that can weight almost 50 kilos and take as long as 9 months to make!
Where to see Mardi Gras
If you’re in New Orleans to see Mardi Gras, you’re going to want to stake out your viewing spot in advance! Almost certainly the best spot is Harmony Circle (until recently known as Lee Circle). From here, you’ll get a great view of all the parades that head down St. Charles Avenue. Be warned that it gets so busy, so it’s best to get there early!
With more than 70 parades during the Mardi Gras season, the city is full of places to see the magic of Mardi Gras. Check the schedules and hit those streets!
Mardi Gras food
We don’t know about you, but just saying the words New Orleans makes our mouths water. The city is rightly famous for its amazing cuisine and Mardi Gras sees the city hit the culinary heights. The food that reigns over the city’s seasonal cooking is undoubtedly Mardi Gras King Cake. This delicious confection typically consists of a twisted circle of cinnamon dough that is brightly decorated in the spirt of Mardi Gras and typically features a small porcelain baby, though some bakers use other figures as New Orleans is city that loves to break the rules!
If you’re out and about and looking for something easy to eat, then you can’t go wrong with a Shrimp Po’ boy, a delicious sandwich made with crusty French bread and super tasty fried shrimp. There aren’t many things more New Orleans than a Po’ boy and if shrimp doesn’t take your fancy, roast beef, ham, chicken, crawfish, catfish and even alligator are some of the other typical Po’ boy ingredients. Standing watching the parades with a Po’ boy in your hand is something we definitely recommend!
Mardi Gras music
New Orleans is all about music and some of the very best music to come out of the city is Mardi Gras-inspired. Those parades don’t happen in silence! The parades have always featured marching bands but the 1950’s saw the rise of popular songs that paid homage to Mardi Gras.
The first big carnival hit was “Mardi Gras in New Orleans” by Professor Longhair. This incredibly infectious, calypso-tinged romp can still be heard blaring out across the city over 70 years after it was first recorded. If it doesn’t get your feet moving, nothing else will! Since Professor Longhair’s hit, there’ve been many other smash records that have become part of the Mardi Gras experience. Be prepared to get down!
Add Mardi Gras in New Orleans to your bucket list!
Of course, the best way to learn about Mardi Gras is to go and experience it for yourself. To be in the Big Easy during Mardi Gras is an experience that will live with you forever. It’s a magical mix of sights, sounds, tastes and smells that you can only enjoy in the fabulous Crescent City.
if you’re wondering how to get around New Orleans, look no futher than our hop-on hop-off bus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Mardi Gras is a pre-Lenten celebration that takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is a movable feast, so the date changes each year, but it typically falls in February or March. Mardi Gras is a major event in New Orleans, Louisiana, and it is celebrated with parades, parties, and plenty of food and drink.
There are many things to do during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but some of the most popular activities include attending parades, watching the Rex parade on Fat Tuesday, and attending a costume party. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk a lot, as the parades can be several miles long.
Here are a few dos and don’ts for Mardi Gras in New Orleans:
- Do wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you are dressed for the weather and have comfortable footwear.
- Do bring cash. Many vendors and bars only accept cash, so be sure to have some on hand.
- Do be prepared to wait in lines. Lines for parades and parties can be long, so be patient and prepared to wait.
- Don’t wear expensive jewelry or clothing. You may get hit by beads or doubloons, which can damage your belongings.
- Don’t leave valuables in your hotel room or car. Keep your valuables with you at all times.
- Don’t drink and drive. Mardi Gras is a time to have fun, but it’s important to do so responsibly.