Louisiana was founded by explorer Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville on Mardi Gras Day 1699 and the party hasn’t stopped yet. Read more Carnival history here.
Kids make Mardi Gras and have the most fun of all -- maybe. Our recommendation for families is to hit the more family-friendly (and local) Uptown parade route along St. Charles Avenue.
Masking became a tradition because during early Carnivals, people put on masks to be able to mingle outside their class and keep their reputation untarnished. Float riders are required to wear masks by law in keeping with the mystery and tradition, and many krewes never reveal who their king or queen is.
While some people decide to costume all the time, you’ll always be fine in jeans, a T-shirt, and close-toed shoes. Mardi Gras colors (purple, green and gold) are encouraged.
It’s can be warm, chilly, dry or wet. Be prepared to wear layers, especially if you’re planning on catching both day and night parades. Also, if the weather has been rainy, waterproof footwear are a good idea. The parade route (especially on the neutral ground side) can get muddy.
The fastest way to get around during Mardi Gras is on foot. The streetcars run during Mardi Gras season but those along parade routes have limited hours and routes.
Public port-a-potties are available for free or for a small fee all along the parade routes. Usually businesses will allow you to use a restroom if you are a customer or pay a small fee as well. Use a port-a-potty or you’ll end up in a paddy wagon. Public urination is illegal and Mardi Gras is no exception.
No! Mardi Gras is a holiday, just like Christmas and Easter. It belongs to everyone. Do not believe the claims of businesses who offer "official" Mardi Gras merchandise or an "official" Mardi Gras website. Using the term “official” is just a way for vendors to sell their products or services to those who do not know better. Products or websites are not licensed by the government for Mardi Gras. Each individual parade krewe is responsible for all of its merchandise. In some parts of the country, official organizations control their Mardi Gras celebration, but this is not true in New Orleans.
