How to See the Lil Rascals Parade at Mardi Gras

The Lil Rascals Parade at Mardi Gras is a conscious effort by the people of New Orleans to teach the Mardi Gras traditions to young people. In 1983, changes were made in the parade and the Lil Rascals ball to involve more children and teens than ever before. The parade traditionally occurs near the end of January, with the ball happening a couple of nights before the parade. Only children are allowed to participate in the parade, and they throw out beads to the crowd as they pass by. If you are in New Orleans in January, try to see the Lil Rascals parade.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Map
• Jacket
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Water bottle
• Folding chair

See the Lil Rascals Parade at Mardi Gras

1. Remember the Lil Rascals parade usually starts at 11 a.m.

2. Know the Lil Rascals parade route at Mardi Gras. The parade starts at the Clearview Shopping Center at the corner of Eldorado and Houma. The parade travels east on Veterans and ends at the corner of Martin Behrman and Veterans.

3. Arrive early by an hour or more to choose your preferred seating area along the parade route. Try to get a spot near the corner of Houma and Veterans to watch the parade coming toward you and then down the street.

4. Put your folding chair along the edge of the sidewalk to get as close as possible to the parade. You want to see the parade without having to stand.

5. Jump up to grab beads and other items thrown out by the children in the parade.

6. Take pictures of everything you see during the parade to remember the experience later on.

7. Pack up and go when the parade is over and then make plans to come back to see the Lil Rascals parade at Mardi Gras the next year!

Tips & Warnings

• The more you get into the parade, cheering for the kids and participating with the beads, the more you are apt to enjoy yourself.
• Fill your water bottle at home with ice and your favorite drink to keep with you during the parade. You want to see the parade, not stand in line for drinks.
• Try to park your car at the Clearview Shopping Center if you can.
• Even though the parade is in January, you will be in the sun for hours. Be sure to put on plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat if it is sunny.