2023-12-01 09:42:26
New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras on a different date every year, which falls in February or March. (Mark your calendars for Mardi Gras 2024 on Tuesday, Feb. 13!) And while that’s always one of the best times to visit, there are ways to celebrate this season ANY time of year! THE MAGIC OF MARDI GRAS Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a one- to three-month party in which the streets come alive with music, art, and costumed revelers. Kicking off on Twelfth Night (Jan. 6) when king cakes, bead-tossing, and parading begin, things only get better as we make our way toward Fat Tuesday (Feb. 13 in 2024). From walking parades like the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus to superkrewes like Krewe of Orpheus, there’s a little something for everyone this Carnival season. COSTUME SHOPS In New Orleans, “costume” is a verb, not a noun, and we do it all year long! Whether for Mardi Gras, the Red Dress Run, St. Patrick’s Day, or Halloween, there's a costume shop to fit your needs. Fifi Mahony’s is the go-to spot for wigs, while Uptown Costume and Dancewear just might be the most comprehensive costume shop in the city. Vintage and secondhand stores also offer unique shopping experiences for every occasion. SECOND LINES You know the sounds. A trumpet blares, a whistle blows, a drumline rattles. It must be a Mardi Gras second line! Stemming from the Black community, second lines began as a way to celebrate, mourn, and honor. You can witness or even join one today, not only during Mardi Gras but also at annual events like the French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest, Satchmo Summerfest, and many Sundays throughout the year. MARDI GRAS MUSEUMS Celebrate Mardi Gras with a visit to a museum. Mardi Gras World offers tours where visitors learn about the many traditions surrounding the parades, balls, and music, as well as the intricacies of float designing and building. Backstreet Cultural Museum is a stunning one-room museum lined with hand-eaded Mardi Gras Indians suits and photos from celebrations past. The House of Dance and Feathers dives into the traditions of Mardi Gras Indians and Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs. The Presbytère houses an elaborate and exquisite collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia. OTHER PARADES One hidden secret about New Orleans is that there are parades all year long for other events and festivals. Swing by just after Mardi Gras ends for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Irish Channel or Easter parades through the French Quarter. Come June, the Pride parade rolls through the French Quarter with floats and throws. Southern Decadence, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community over Labor Day weekend, features a walking parade. Halloween here is made special by the spectacular Krewe of Boo in October, and the holidays wouldn’t be complete without the Children’s Hospital Holiday Parade in December. 2024 PARADES AT-A-GLANCE JANUARY 6 Krewe of Joan of Arc 20 Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus 27 Krewe du Vieux FEBRUARY 8 Krewe of Muses 9 Krewe of Hermes Krewe d’Etat Krewe of Morpheus 10 Krewe of Endymion 11 Krewe of Bacchus 12 Krewe of Orpheus 13 Krewe of Zulu Krewe of Rex MARDI PARDI! Visit neworleans.com/mardi-gras or scan the QR code for a full schedule of parades and events.
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