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Krewe of Endymion - Mardi Gras 2017

Mardi Gras

January 6 - March 4, 2025
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MARDI GRAS IN NEW ORLEANS

The king of New Orleans celebrations shows off the city's spirit

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a one to a three-month stretch of the year in which the streets come alive with music, art, and costumed revelers. Beginning on Twelfth Night, January 6, the best season of the year is upon us: king cake, bead-tossing, and parading begins and only increases as we make our way toward Mardi Gras Day. The next Mardi Gras day is on March 4, 2025.

There’s so much to celebrate during Carnival season, where locals rule and visitors are more than welcome to join in on the fun. On the weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday, parades roll all over town. Spectators gasp at the colossal Endymion floats and delight in the political satire of Krewe du Vieux. There’s something to do during every week of the Mardi Gras season.

Whether it's new traditions like Krewe of Chewbacchus (with its Star Wars-inspired tomfoolery) or decades-old stalwarts Zulu and Rex (which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year), visitors are encouraged to explore our Mardi Gras traditions. Some of our favorite ways to do this? Try ten different slices of king cake, stand in awe of community walking krewes, and make new friendships with your neighbors on the route. This is the place to have the authentic Mardi Gras experience.

Krewe of Femme Fatale- Marching Band
Plan for Mardi Gras with our list of parades in New Orleans.
  • If you’re planning on coming to town, check out these deals and packages, which include viewing stands and private parade viewing access. Experience the Mardi Gras magic and start planning...
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  • The early bird gets the worm when it comes to experiencing a New Orleans Mardi Gras. Find out how you can make the most of the season by visiting this January or early February.
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  • From traditional cinnamon to sweet and savory banana-peanut butter-bacon, king cake season is here, with more delicious options than ever before.
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Mardi Gras All Year Long

  • The magic and spectacle that is Mardi Gras happens every Carnival season starting Twelfth Night, Jan. 6, and culminating on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday on the Advent calendar. But you...
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  • If you missed the city’s annual Carnival festivities, take a Segway, bike, walking or bus tour to learn about the Mardi Gras tradition.
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  • In a city where costume shops are as common as supermarkets, there is always a reason to find more finery. Halloween, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, the Red Dress Run -- dressing up is about...
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  • Take home some Carnival spirit from some of the many places that sell beads, costumes and other outlandish supplies. Click here to find your one-stop-shop for costumes, Mardi Gras beads, wigs,...
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Mardi Gras World
Come see where Mardi Gras is made. See Mardi Gras magic created right before your eyes in this maze of amazing carnival creations. Guided...
Mardi Gras History & Traditions

Videos About Mardi Gras in New Orleans