Your Guide to Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans
When it comes to having the Mardi Gras experience, the one absolute must-do is attend a parade. Mardi Gras season begins January 6 and continues through the day before Ash Wednesday (Fat Tuesday). During Mardi Gras you can enjoy a famous king cake, join costumed revelers in the streets, or attend a krewe ball. But whether you’re single and looking for a good time or taking the family to experience New Orleans, no trip is complete during Mardi Gras season without a parade.
When and where are Mardi Gras parades held?
While Mardi Gras parades are held in towns throughout the state of Louisiana and even in cities in nearby states, the image that comes to mind when thinking of Mardi Gras is from the heart of New Orleans. New Orleans Mardi Gras parades are held on weekends and the week before and leading into Mardi Gras day. Rolling float parades that are the traditional symbol of Mardi Gras are held Uptown. Walking parades are held in Marigny and the French Quarter.
What is the Mardi Gras parade experience?
Mardi Gras floats are essentially large vehicles that have been built as works of art. A float may have an elaborate scene with only a few riders or may have dozens of people riding and tossing “throws” to spectators. Of course beads are the predominant throw, but they can be cups, doubloons, candy, moonpies, coconuts, shoes, and anything in between. Parades are experienced from the sidewalk, neutral ground, or a parking lot. If you’re bringing the kids, ladder seats are recommended to make sure you’re catching plenty. The crowd styles vary at different areas of the city , but the vast majority of parades are for spectators of all ages. A good rule of thumb is the closer you get to the French Quarter, the racier the crowd tends to be. The spirit of Mardi Gras is revelry- you can let your wild side run free, put on a costume, decorate yourself in beads, and yell at the top of your lungs, “Throw me something mister!”
What are the krewes?
Each Mardi Gras krewe has its own unique history and theme. The majority of krewes host rolling parades. The royal krewes roll on Mardi Gras day, Rex and Zulu. Rex reigns as the “King of Carnival” as the most famous Mardi Gras krewe while the coconuts thrown at Zulu are among the most coveted Mardi Gras treasures. The super-krewes are the largest parades and include Endymion, Bacchus, and Orpheus. Endymion is the largest Mardi Gras krewe and is known for having a celebrity grand marshall and the Endymion Extravaganza, a massive all-night after-party. Some krewes have historical roots like the Krewe of Proteus dating back to 1882, and others are known for their throws like the hand decorated high heels of the Krewe of Muses. The walking krewes have vibrant themes that allow for a degree of spectator participation in the fun. Krewe du Vieux is an adult-themed parade in the French Quarter with 17 sub krewes such as Krewe of L.E.W.D and Krewe of Spermes. While the Krewe of Chewbacchus is sci-fi themed, has over 150 sub krewes, and makes all of its own throws.
Whether it’s walking or rolling, experiencing a New Orleans parade is a must during Mardi Gras season! While you’re checking off the ol’ bucket list, stop by Zip Nola to cross off the world’s only fully aquatic swamp zipline! Zip Nola has 5 ziplines, 2 sky bridges, a spiral cypress tree staircase, a 2000ft elevated spectator platform, and alligator interactions. Add this a one-of-a-kind Louisiana excursion to your Mardi Gras vacation.