How to Have a Safe Mardi Gras Trip

Mardi Gras, which means Fat Tuesday in French, refers to the day before Ash Wednesday. There is an entire Carnival surrounding Mardi Gras, and the event(s) vary by the year and location. Perhaps the most well known U.S. Mardi Gras occurs in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Festivities offer a once in a lifetime opportunity for serious fun, but one must always be aware that safety is always an issue with large crowds of people.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Get a Map

   The first thing that you need to do is get a schedule and map of Mardi Gras Day events. Plan your day around these items and do not veer off into uncovered territory. If you look below in the “Resources” section you will be able to view a link with an interactive parade route and schedule.

2. 
   Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

   Plan your meals before the start of the parade so that you are not preoccupied by looking for restaurants in the middle of the festivities. In the "Resources" you will find a link to a description of common Mardi Gras cuisine.

3. 
   Jacket with an Inside Pocket

   Wear a jacket with an upper inside pocket so that you can keep your money secured into a position where it is zipped up and close to your chest. This way, you will never be a target for a pickpocket.

4. 
   No Children on Burboun Street

   Realize that you should take your children to the Parade, but DO NOT take them to the French Quarter during the events. Preplan and discuss what you and your children should do in the event that you get separated.

5. 
   Half Mask Only

   Instead of a complete costume, sport a well fitting mask for the Bourbon Street festivities. You do not need to be preoccupied with bulky or ill fitting clothing.

6. 
   Getting Drunk is NOT Attractive!

   When you see all of those drunken people acting like complete fools, do not put yourself in the same position. It is entertaining to watch them, but it is a different story to BE them.

7. 
   Keep an Eye on your Drink

   If you do choose to partake in the alcoholic beverages ;) Always watch your drink. DO NOT sit it down anywhere, and keep a constant eye on it from the time that it is mixed or poured until the time it reaches your hand.

8. 
   Stay in a Group

   Do not attend the festivities alone. Particularly if you are a female, make sure that someone always knows exactly where you are – even if you plan to wander off for a split second.

Resources

• Guide to Common Mardi Gras Cuisine
• Mardi Gras for Kids

[TobyLee]

on 1/27/2009 Good information on the Mardi Gras and how to be safe. I've never been to one, but I know people who have. 5*

[kerrylf]

on 1/26/2009 Yes, Mardi Gras parades are a family friendly tradition, however Bourbon Street is not family friendly at most any time of day. You have to know which parades are family friendly - usually the ones in the afternoon.

[Rachellewms]

on 1/23/2009 jamaclassics: This is a common misconception - the Parades at Mardi Gras are designed for families - I've taken my kids thrice & they are loaded with children. As per my article, Bourbon Street is the activity that is NOT appropriate for children.

[jamaclassics]

on 1/22/2009 They frown on children being dragged to Mardi Gras. I'd rethink this. It's really not for kids.

[slphilbrick]

on 1/22/2009 I've never been, but these are all wise tips to having a fun, yet safe Mardi Gras !