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Krewe of Endymion - Mardi Gras 2017

Mardi Gras

January 6 - February 13, 2024
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MARDI GRAS IN NEW ORLEANS

The king of New Orleans celebrations shows off the city's spirit

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a one to a three-month stretch of the year in which the streets come alive with music, art, and costumed revelers. Beginning on Twelfth Night, January 6, the best season of the year is upon us: king cake, bead-tossing, and parading begins and only increases as we make our way toward Mardi Gras Day. This year the season is a long one, with Mardi Gras Day on February 21, 2023.

There’s so much to celebrate during Carnival season, where locals rule and visitors are more than welcome to join in on the fun. On the weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday, parades roll all over town. Spectators gasp at the colossal Endymion floats and delight in the political satire of Krewe du Vieux. There’s something to do during every week of the Mardi Gras season.

Whether it's new traditions like Krewe of Chewbacchus (with its Star Wars-inspired tomfoolery) or decades-old stalwarts Zulu and Rex (which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year), visitors are encouraged to explore our Mardi Gras traditions. Some of our favorite ways to do this? Try ten different slices of king cake, stand in awe of community walking krewes, and make new friendships with your neighbors on the route. This is the place to have the authentic Mardi Gras experience.

  • Nothing about Mardi Gras is predictable – not even the date. Unlike Christmas or the 4th of July which always fall on the same calendar day, the only thing you can count on for sure with...
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  • Think Mardi Gras is just beer, beads, and Bourbon Street? You need to keep reading.
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  • Already been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Think you can scratch it off your bucket list? Not so fast! Before you say you’ve seen it all, here are some specific must-dos, quirky events, and...
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  • The more you know about Mardi Gras tradition, the more fun you’ll have. Here’s a primer based on facts from Mardi Gras guru Arthur Hardy.
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  • From historic facts and carnival basics to what to expect at parades, here is your go-to guide for the Mardi Gras season.
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  • For more than 130 years, Mardi Gras “throws” have been part of the fun of Carnival.
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  • Is there anything richer than praline pecan cheesecake? Yes. The history and traditions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Let’s take a look behind the mask.
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  • Is there anything cuter than the first time a little one yells, Throw me something, mister or gets the piece of king cake with baby?
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  • Thinking of heading to New Orleans during Mardi Gras season? Check out these gay krewes like Krewe of Armeinius, Krewe of Amon-Ra, Lords of Leather and more.
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  • Like every balcony in the French Quarter, the streets of New Orleans are overcrowded during Carnival season.
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  • Mardi Gras krewes throw the parades and each has its own history and traditions. Let us throw you a little trivia, mister.  
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  • Mardi Gras is many things, so many that it takes every letter of the alphabet to explain.
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Krewe of Femme Fatale- Marching Band
Certain aspects of Mardi Gras are shrouded in mystery. For instance, the official parade schedule isn’t typically released until the...
  • If you’re planning on coming to town, check out these deals and packages, which include viewing stands and private parade viewing access. Experience the Mardi Gras magic and start planning...
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  • The early bird gets the worm when it comes to experiencing a New Orleans Mardi Gras. Find out how you can make the most of the season by visiting this January or early February.
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  • From traditional cinnamon to sweet and savory banana-peanut butter-bacon, king cake season is here, with more delicious options than ever before.
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Mardi Gras All Year Long

  • The magic and spectacle that is Mardi Gras happens every Carnival season starting Twelfth Night, Jan. 6, and culminating on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday on the Advent calendar. But you...
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  • If you missed the city’s annual Carnival festivities, take a Segway, bike, walking or bus tour to learn about the Mardi Gras tradition.
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  • In a city where costume shops are as common as supermarkets, there is always a reason to find more finery. Halloween, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, the Red Dress Run -- dressing up is about...
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  • Take home some Carnival spirit from some of the many places that sell beads, costumes and other outlandish supplies. Click here to find your one-stop-shop for costumes, Mardi Gras beads, wigs,...
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Mardi Gras World
Come see where Mardi Gras is made. See Mardi Gras magic created right before your eyes in this maze of amazing carnival creations. Guided...
Mardi Gras History & Traditions

Videos About Mardi Gras in New Orleans