Mardi Gras, one of the biggest cultural celebrations in Louisiana, brings together traditions, music, parades, and months of festivities where people of all ages and their furry friends participate showcasing Louisiana’s joyous community spirit. Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in Louisiana and has been since 1875, when Governor Warmoth signed the Mardi Gras Act.
A Season of the Carnival Before the Main Event
Although the main Mardi Gras parades are a crowd-puller, there are many more celebrations and festivities leading up to the main day. Technically, Mardi Gras is the last Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and ushers in 40 days of Lenten practices, while Carnival is the season that begins on Twelfth Night or the Feast of Epiphany, January 6. The season, which represents a time of celebration before Christian Lent, lasts until Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras Day which is on March 4, 2025.
Must Read: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Mardi Gras in New Orleans – Insider Tips & Tricks
Dog’s Day Out
Mardi Gras sees active participation from the furry friends with their very own parades in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Northshore, and other places around Louisiana. These animal-dedicated parades show off the fun and revelry and man, do they look cute!
A Family-Friendly Affair
There are many activities and Mardi Gras parades that are family-friendly. In New Orleans, there are a few favourite family parade-watching spots, which include St. Charles and Napoleon Streets. As you explore the state, you will find that many Louisiana cities host huge Mardi Gras celebrations with brightly coloured floats and marching bands that are perfectly appropriate for the whole family.
Grabbing the Best Parade Goods
In a crowded parade, getting your hands on parade goods can be quite the competition! Head to the end of the parade and you will be showered by effervescent float-riders with endless goodies.
Quirky Goods
Bathroom humour never grows old, as evidenced by the irreverent joy of Krewe of Tucks. Screaming crowds line the streets begging for bathroom-themed throws, including monogrammed toilet paper, toilet-shaped sunglasses, and mini-plungers. In Shreveport, the Krewe of Highland throws SPAM and hot dogs.
Here, the Smaller is Better
It cannot get any smaller than ’tit Rex, known as “New Orleans’ first and only MicroKrewe.” This krewe, founded in 2009, features miniature floats made from shoeboxes and found objects. Carnival throws are handed out by Krewe members rather than tossed, since in keeping with the theme, they are so tiny.
The Secret of the Beads
Legend has it that in the 1880s, a man dressed as Santa Claus received such fame by throwing beads that other Krewes followed suit. Considering that Krewes once threw food and dirt, this makes sense. Locals still love to see throws of tiny glass bead strands, which date to the 1960s and 1970s.
And it’s weighty…
Officials estimate upwards of 25 million pounds of Mardi Gras items get tossed from floats. In fact, locals like to visit ARC of New Orleans and recycle their beads for next year.
A Top-Secret Royalty
Ever seen the term “Mystic Krewe” and wondered what that means? Many Mardi Gras Krewes use “mystique” or “mystic” in their titles, meaning krewes will not reveal the identities of their royalty until they are presented at the royal ball. Kings, Queens, and Maids are often sworn to secrecy all year until they are able to make their grand debut.
Lastly, Mardi Gras is More Than New Orleans
When you hear “Mardi Gras” if you only think of the New Orleans celebration, think again. Mardi Gras is celebrated around the state. Cajun Mardi Gras can be found in the Lafayette and Eunice area. In Baton Rouge, parades roll many weekends before and during Mardi Gras. Also, Mardi Gras fun in South, Central and North Louisiana is not to be missed.
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