Mardi Gras is often pictured as one enormous party on a single Tuesday. In New Orleans, the reality is much bigger. Carnival is a season of parades, traditions, costumes, music and neighborhood celebrations leading up to Mardi Gras Day.
Parades are the heart of it
Different krewes organize parades with their own themes, floats and traditions. Routes and schedules vary each year, so current official information matters when planning a visit.
Prepare for crowds
Popular parade areas can become extremely busy. Book accommodation well ahead for peak dates, allow extra time to move around and expect normal transport patterns to change around parade routes.
Catch something
Throws from parade floats are part of the fun. Beads are famous, but you may see many other items being tossed to spectators.
It is not only Bourbon Street
Visitors sometimes imagine Mardi Gras entirely through the lens of French Quarter nightlife. The broader Carnival experience is far richer and includes families, neighborhoods and long-established local traditions.
If you enjoy big events, Mardi Gras can be extraordinary. If huge crowds are not your thing, learning about Carnival traditions outside the busiest days can still add another layer to a New Orleans trip.