Experiencing Mardi Gras for the first time is unlike attending almost any other festival. Between the parades, elaborate floats, costumes, marching bands, throws and crowds dressed head to toe in purple, green and gold, there is a lot happening at once—and a little preparation can make your first Mardi Gras much easier to enjoy.
If you are wondering what to know before going to Mardi Gras, start with this: Mardi Gras is much more than a single day or a party on Bourbon Street. Carnival season begins January 6th and includes weeks of parades, traditions and celebrations leading up to Mardi Gras Day also known as Fat Tuesday. Most New Orleans parades are free to attend, so you can experience one of the city's biggest traditions simply by choosing your parade, finding a spot along the route and joining the crowd.
Whether you are planning a full Mardi Gras vacation or attending your first parade, here are the essentials to know before you go.
Mardi Gras Is More Than Mardi Gras Day
One of the biggest misconceptions first-time visitors have is that Mardi Gras happens on one day. Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) is the finale, but Carnival celebrations and parades take place throughout the weeks leading up to it.
Before your trip, look at the parade schedule and decide which parades you want to see. Routes, times and transportation plans can vary, so having a general itinerary before you arrive will make navigating the city much easier.
Don't Expect Mardi Gras to Look Like Bourbon Street Everywhere
If most of what you have seen of Mardi Gras comes from television or social media, you may be surprised by how different the actual parade experience can be.
Much of Mardi Gras is centered around parade routes where families, groups of friends and longtime parade-goers gather to watch floats and marching groups pass. The French Quarter has its own atmosphere, but the majority of parades do not roll down Bourbon Street.
If this is your first trip, make seeing at least one traditional parade a priority. The floats, costumes, bands, dance groups and throws are a huge part of what makes Mardi Gras special.
Arrive at the Parade Route Early
Mardi Gras crowds can build quickly. A section of the route that looks relatively open earlier in the day may become several people deep as parade time approaches.
How early you need to arrive depends on the parade, location and how important having a particular viewing spot is to you. Popular weekend and evening parades generally require more planning. Give yourself extra time for walking, finding your group and getting settled rather than expecting to arrive right when the parade begins. You can often track your chosen parade’s progress in many cities however, through a Parade Tracker app, a useful tool if you are running late.
And remember: parade-route etiquette matters. Respect the space around other groups, follow posted regulations and avoid blocking intersections or public rights-of-way with your belongings. New Orleans also regulates when personal items can be placed along parade routes.
Plan to Walk—A Lot
Comfortable shoes may be one of the most important things you wear to Mardi Gras.
Traffic patterns change, streets close and public transportation routes can be altered during Carnival season. Rideshares may be able to get you near a parade, but getting directly to your destination by car is not always realistic. The same applies for leaving parades as well.
Plan for significantly more walking than you might expect and choose shoes accordingly.
For parade days, think comfortable sneakers, boots or other closed-toe shoes that you do not mind getting a little dirty. If rain is in the forecast, waterproof footwear can make a major difference.
Dress for the Weather—and the Celebration
Mardi Gras weather can be unpredictable. You could experience sunshine and warmer temperatures one day and chilly, wet weather the next. Layers are one of the easiest ways to prepare, especially if you will be outside from afternoon into evening.
But practical does not have to mean boring. Purple, green and gold clothing, sequins, metallics, rhinestones and festive accessories all fit naturally into Mardi Gras style. A colorful jacket, statement hat, scarf, Mardi Gras socks or embellished accessory can turn comfortable parade clothes into a complete Carnival look.
If rain is possible, make waterproof outerwear part of the outfit rather than an afterthought. A Mardi Gras rain jacket or lightweight rain layer lets you stay festive without spending the entire parade underneath a disposable poncho.
Most importantly, wear something you can comfortably stand, walk and celebrate in for several hours.
Bring a Bag for Your Throws
Those throws add up faster than you think.
Floats throw much more than traditional Mardi Gras beads. Depending on the parade, you may catch cups, doubloons, toys and other krewe-specific throws, such as shoes, coconuts, or even plungers.
Bring a sturdy, lightweight bag that is easy to carry so you have somewhere to put everything you catch. One important safety rule for first-timers: don't rush into the street after a throw. If something lands near a moving float, wait until it is safe to retrieve it. Staying behind barricades and away from moving floats is an important part of parade-route safety for both riders and parade attendees.
Pack a Few Parade-Day Essentials
You do not need to bring everything you own to the parade route, but a few essentials can make a long day much more comfortable.
Consider packing:
- A lightweight bag or backpack for throws
- Water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A portable phone charger
- Tissues or wipes
- A rain jacket or poncho if rain is possible
- An extra layer for cooler evenings
- A small amount of cash
- Any personal necessities you will need throughout the day
Try to keep your load manageable. Whatever you bring with you may need to be carried for several hours.
Make a Restroom Plan Before the Parade Starts
This may not be the most glamorous Mardi Gras advice, but it is some of the most useful.
Public portable restrooms are available around parade areas, and some businesses provide restroom access to customers or for a fee. Locate your restroom options before the crowd becomes dense rather than waiting until you desperately need one. If you are traveling with children, this is especially important.
Choose a Meeting Spot for Your Group
Large Mardi Gras crowds can make it surprisingly easy to lose track of someone.
Before heading into the crowd, choose a recognizable location where everyone will meet if you become separated. Do not depend entirely on texting or calling—crowds can make mobile service less reliable, and phones can run out of battery during a long parade day.
Families should have an especially clear plan for children, including teaching them to find a uniformed police officer, firefighter, or safety official if they become separated from the group.
Learn How to Catch Throws Safely
Catching throws is part of the fun, especially when you hear the classic call of "Throw me something, Mister!"
Wave, make eye contact with float riders and enjoy the experience—but don't let a strand of beads turn into a competition. Never run alongside floats, cross barricades or reach underneath a moving float. If a throw lands on the ground close to the route, wait until you can safely pick it up.
There will always be more throws coming.
Wear Your Mardi Gras Colors
If you have been waiting for an excuse to wear purple, green and gold together, this is it.
The traditional Mardi Gras colors make getting dressed for your first parade surprisingly easy. Start with comfortable basics and add Carnival color through your outerwear and accessories.
At Mardi Gras Creations, you can build a parade-ready look with Mardi Gras clothing and accessories including festive jackets, conductor hats, beanies, scarves, socks, bejeweled gloves, bejeweled neckties and other purple, green and gold pieces.
You can go all out with sequins and statement pieces or keep your outfit simple and let one or two Mardi Gras accessories do the work. There is no requirement to wear a costume, but Carnival is certainly the time to have more fun with your wardrobe.
Remember: Mardi Gras Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Your first Mardi Gras can be exciting enough that you want to do everything at once. You don't have to.
Leave time to eat, hydrate, rest and actually enjoy what is happening around you. Mardi Gras is as much about the atmosphere and traditions as it is about checking individual parades or attractions off a list.
Wear something comfortable, arrive prepared, respect the people celebrating around you and embrace a little unpredictability.
After all, part of the fun of your first Mardi Gras is realizing there is no way to experience everything in one trip.
First-Time Mardi Gras FAQ
Do you need tickets to attend Mardi Gras parades?
Generally, no. New Orleans Mardi Gras parades are free to watch along their public routes. Tickets may be required for private events, Mardi Gras balls or certain reserved viewing areas and grandstands.
Is Mardi Gras family-friendly?
Yes. Many Mardi Gras parades and celebrations are popular with families, although the experience can vary considerably by location. In New Orleans traditional parade routes outside the French Quarter and in the Uptown area are generally a better choice for families than the more adult-oriented Bourbon Street atmosphere.
What happens if it rains during Mardi Gras?
Parade-goers should be prepared for changing weather. Waterproof footwear, a rain jacket or poncho and clothing that can handle getting wet are helpful. Always check current parade information as weather can affect plans.
How early should I arrive for a Mardi Gras parade?
It depends on the parade and where you want to stand, but arriving early is strongly recommended. Popular parade routes can become crowded well before the first float arrives, particularly for major weekend parades, many people will arrive 10+ hours before the parade rolls.
What are Mardi Gras throws?
Throws are items tossed from parade floats to spectators. Beads are the most recognizable, but riders may also toss cups, doubloons, toys and special krewe-themed items, such as shoes or coconuts. Bring a bag—you may end the parade with considerably more than you expected.
