Resources & Information:

  • Official Site:  Mardi Gras
  • What is it?:  An annual Carnival celebration (festive season before Lent) of parades, masquerade balls, and king cake parties
  • Date: February 13, 2018 (Fat Tuesday) - the last day of the Carnival season & the day before Ash Wednesday (first day of Lent)
  • Location:  New Orleans, LA
  • Parade Schedule:  Parades start in late January but the most popular parades are the weekend before Mardi Gras 
  • Most Popular Parades:  Endymion (Mid-City); Bacchus (Uptown); Orpheus (Uptown); Zulu (Uptown); & Rex (Uptown)

Accommodations & Getting Around:

  • Planning -- You should start planning your trip at least 6 months in advance (July / August timeframe) - everything will be booked by December.
  • All Options -- Look at all options including budget hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation home rentals, and family & friends.  We suggest trying AirBnB.
  • Getting Around -- Since traffic and parking will be a nightmare, see if you can carpool, take public transportation, or even walk if you're lucky enough to be close by.  Also renting a bicycle is a very popular option - just be sure to have a good lock and chain.
  • What to Bring:  Money belt, Sturdy plastic or canvas bags for all the trinkets you'll collect, Plastic cups for libations, Good walking shoes, Hat, Sunscreen, Rain gear, Snacks

Parade Tips:

  • Plan -- Figure out which parades you want to see & get your spot early.  Decide what's most important - a view, proximity to rest rooms, or a place to sit.
  • Bathrooms -- Rest rooms are in very short supply, but you can purchase daily use passes from some establishments (may be the best $5 you'll ever spend)
  • Doubloons -- All locals know that you must step on the doubloons (or any other trinket in the street) before picking it up unless you want your fingers crushed

Have Fun!:

  • Costumes -- Definitely wear a costume but be smart about it.  You'll be in costume for up to 12 hours so don't use face paint (wear a mask that you don't mind losing or breaking) & don't wear something too cumbersome to carry around.
  • Bourbon Street -- If you're a big partier, then check out Bourbon Street.  If not, you may want to stay away from the craziness.  If you do go, expect lots of drinking, rowdiness, and flashing / nudity.
  • Embrace the Chaos -- Enjoy the wacky costumes, over the top parades, and overall revelry! 
Cost:
$ $ $ $
 Difficulty:
⚒ ⚒ ⚒ ⚒ 
 Bliss Level:
☺︎ ☺︎ ☺︎ ☺︎ ☺︎