How to See Mardi Gras in New Orleans

The Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans occur every February in the city's French Quarter. Tourists from all around the United States arrive in the city for a week of frivolity and fun with the city's residents. In order to appreciate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you need to plan a trip that covers the full spectrum of events during the celebration.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

View Mardi Gras Festivities in New Orleans

1. Mark the correct day for Mardi Gras on your planner several months ahead of time. Mardi Gras is held on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is 46 days before Easter Sunday. This notation will help you frame your schedule for a Mardi Gras trip.
2. Pack some purple, green and gold beads for impromptu conversations during Mardi Gras. These colors represented justice, faith and power to the French and native inhabitants of New Orleans at the start of Mardi Gras. Give these beads out to new friends and fellow party goers upon request.
3. Purchase a piece of king cake at local bakeries during Mardi Gras. As you see parades and other celebrations, you can eat this round cake with a variety of fillings to maximize your Mardi Gras experience. Traditional king cakes feature a plastic Christ Child figure, and the recipient must make a king cake for the next year's celebration.
4. Make your way to the Mardi Gras Indian parades on the two Sundays preceding the festival. These parades feature African American "tribes" wearing Indian garb to celebrate the role of Native Americans in protecting fugitive slaves in early American history. There are dozens of these parades throughout the French Quarter.
5. Book accommodations in the French Quarter that feature individual balconies for each room. Hotels along Bourbon Street and other places in the Quarter offer prime sightseeing opportunities during Mardi Gras. You can host parties and watch parades go by from the comfort of your hotel room.
6. Use creative methods when you try to get the attention of trinket throwers during Mardi Gras parades. Many celebrants dress in drag, shout out compliments or create colorful signs to help throwers spot them.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact local organizations or community groups to find ways to participate in float building. Every Mardi Gras party features a parade with dozens of floats that are colorfully designed by volunteers. You can arrive early in New Orleans to meet up with group members, design the float and give a helping hand.