Mardi Gras vs. Carnival: What's the Difference?

The terms Mardi Gras and Carnival are often used interchangeably, especially when talking about celebrations in New Orleans. But technically, they don't mean exactly the same thing.

So, what's the difference between Mardi Gras and Carnival? The simplest answer is that Carnival is the entire season of celebration, while Mardi Gras is the final day of that season.

Here's what to know about the difference—and why you'll hear both terms throughout New Orleans.

What Is Carnival?

Carnival is the festive season leading up to Mardi Gras.

The season of Carnival begins on January 6, or Twelfth Night, and continues until Mardi Gras Day. Throughout the season, you'll see traditions and events including:

The exact length of Carnival changes each year because the date of Mardi Gras changes based on Christian liturgical calendar.

What Is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is the final day of Carnival.

The name comes from French and translates to "Fat Tuesday." It falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar.

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras Day is the culmination of weeks of Carnival festivities. Parades, costumes and celebrations fill the city before the season officially comes to an end at midnight. Mardi Gras is the last official day to indulge before the Lenten season begins.

So, Is Mardi Gras a Day or a Season?

Technically, Mardi Gras is one day.

In everyday conversation, however, "Mardi Gras" is often used to describe the broader Carnival season and its celebrations. That's why you might hear someone talk about "Mardi Gras parades" that actually take place days or even weeks before Mardi Gras Day.

Both usages are common, but knowing the distinction helps make sense of the Carnival calendar.

Why Does the Date of Mardi Gras Change?

Mardi Gras does not fall on the same date every year because it is tied to Easter.

Mardi Gras is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which changes every year in accordance with the Easter holiday, so its date moves along with the Christian liturgical calendar.

Carnival season, however, always begins on January 6. That means some years have a longer Carnival season than others.

Is Carnival Only Celebrated in New Orleans?

No. Carnival traditions are celebrated in many parts of the world, with famous celebrations in places such as Brazil, Italy and the Caribbean.

Different destinations have developed their own costumes, foods, music and traditions.

New Orleans Carnival has a particularly distinctive identity built around krewes, elaborate parades, floats, throws, king cake and the traditional colors of purple, green and gold.

When Should You Visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras?

You don't necessarily have to visit on Mardi Gras Day to experience Carnival.

The weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday include numerous parades and events, with some of the biggest celebrations taking place during the final days of the season.

If you're planning a trip, look at the parade schedule before choosing your dates. Different krewes parade on different days, so deciding what you want to see can help determine the best time to visit.

Dressing for Carnival vs. Mardi Gras Day

There isn't a strict difference between what you can wear during Carnival season and what you wear on Mardi Gras Day—but the closer you get to Fat Tuesday, the bolder the outfits tend to become.

Mardi Gras Day itself is a particularly good opportunity to go all out with costumes, color and creative accessories, while the rest of season can be more simple or parade specific.

Carnival Is the Season. Mardi Gras Is the Finale.

The easiest way to remember the difference is: Carnival is the season. Mardi Gras is the final day.

From the first king cakes in January to the last celebrations on Fat Tuesday, the entire season is filled with traditions that make Mardi Gras much more than a single parade or party.