More Than One Day, More Than One Party
Many visitors arrive thinking Mardi Gras is a single wild night. In reality, it's a season — beginning on January 6th (King's Day / Epiphany) and building toward Fat Tuesday, the final day before Lent. The last two weeks are packed with parades nearly every day, and the final five days are an all-out celebration. Understanding this timeline is the first step to planning a great visit.
The Parade Krewes
Mardi Gras parades are organized by social clubs called krewes. Each krewe has its own traditions, floats, and throws (the beads, cups, and trinkets tossed to the crowd). Some of the major krewes to know:
- Bacchus — Known for celebrity monarchs and spectacular floats. Parades the Sunday before Mardi Gras.
- Endymion — One of the largest parades, held on the Saturday before Mardi Gras. Massive floats, enormous crowds.
- Zulu — A historically significant African American krewe that parades on Fat Tuesday morning. Famous for hand-painted coconuts as throws.
- Rex — The "King of Carnival," Rex follows Zulu on Fat Tuesday. Traditional, elaborate, and the symbolic ruler of Mardi Gras.
- Krewe of Muses — An all-female krewe known for highly creative floats and decorated shoes as throws.
Where to Watch Parades
Most major parades roll along St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street uptown, then head toward the French Quarter. St. Charles Avenue is the ideal spot — it's wide, lined with oak trees, and has a neighborhood feel. Families set up ladders with seats for children. The area near Canal Street gets more crowded but is also very accessible.
Note: Parades do NOT roll through the French Quarter streets themselves — they're too narrow. The Quarter fills with street parties instead.
What Are "Throws"?
Throws are items tossed from floats to the crowd. The basics are strands of beads, but you'll also find:
- Doubloons (aluminum coins stamped with krewe insignia)
- Cups and koozies
- Stuffed animals and toys
- Specialty throws unique to each krewe (e.g., Muses shoes, Zulu coconuts)
Specialty throws are highly sought after. Be enthusiastic, make eye contact with float riders, and wear eye-catching costumes to increase your chances.
Practical Advice
| Topic | Advice |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Book 6–12 months in advance. Prices spike dramatically during Mardi Gras week. |
| Costume | Locals take costumes seriously. Dressing up is part of the fun and earns you respect. |
| Transportation | Driving is a nightmare. Walk, take the streetcar, or use rideshares. Expect delays everywhere. |
| Food & Water | Bring snacks and water to parades. Food vendors are everywhere but lines get long. |
| Safety | Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick with your group and know your route home. |
Beyond Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras is a very specific experience — loud, crowded, and chaotic. It's worth seeing, but don't let it be your only Mardi Gras. The neighborhood parades uptown, the Marigny street parties, and the second-line traditions of Tremé offer a deeper, more authentic experience of what this celebration truly means to New Orleans.