Everything You Need to Know About Mardi Gras in New Orleans

For those visiting for Nola during the biggest party of the year, it’s good to be aware of everything you need to know about Mardi Gras in New Orleans. From correctly pronouncing New Orleans like a local to knowing what to do when in NOLA and surviving Mardi Gras like a local, you can never be too prepared.  Here’s what you need to know before you head to the boot state for some good times in the Big Easy.
1. Mardi Gras is a season, not just a day

People that aren’t familiar with Mardi Gras in New Orleans think it’s just a one day event, being Fat Tuesday, but Mardi Gras actually lasts for weeks, with daily parades and celebrations that lead up to Fat Tuesday.  If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you’ll want to make sure you’re there at least for the weekend before Fat Tuesday as two of the city’s biggest parades, Endymion and Bacchus, roll.2. Parades are an all day event

Even if the parade doesn’t start rolling until 4pm, you’ll want to get out there early to claim your spot, even as early as the day before.  The bigger the parade, the bigger the crowd.  If you choose to show up right as the parade starts rolling, you’ll most likely be stuck standing  in the back of the crowd and won’t be able to see the entire beauty of the floats.  It’s also good to know that if it starts at 4pm and you’re towards the end of the route for larger parades like Endymion, the parade won’t get to you until hours later that night.  One of my favorite tools is the parade tracker app, which you can download on your phone and find the exact location of the parade!3. There’s more to Mardi Gras than the French Quarter

While the French Quarter (Bourbon St.) is a main attraction for tourists visiting for Mardi Gras and makes for a great place to people watch with blocks of bars and endless drink possibilities, the city has much more to offer.  In fact, many of the city’s best parades aren’t even viewable from the Quarter.  If you want one of the best places to catch parades, try Uptown along St. Charles Avenue.4. It’s a family friendly event

Believe it or not, Mardi Gras is actually a family event.  The flashing and excessive drunkenness is just a common occurrence on Bourbon Street, and most locals don’t even bother visiting that part of town.  For locals, Mardi Gras is a time to gather with family and friends to camp out on the neutral grounds while waiting for the parade.  Think of it as a tailgate, but you’re waiting for a parade rather than a game.5. Flashing for beads is not necessary

This is NOT what you do when you are at a parade and want some beads.  Just don’t.  If you want beads, wave your hands in the air and you’ll got plenty.  If you really want to see flashing from both men and women, your best bet is on Bourbon Street where (mostly drunk tourists) flash for a single bead thrown from a balcony.6. You can catch just about anything

Beads are the most popular throw, but the krewes have more than that.  Don’t be surprised if you go home with bags full of beads, cups, doublooms, stuffed animals, trinkets, and food.7. Drinking on the street is allowed

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one big party.  From drinking to dancing in the streets, there’s never a dull moment! If you order a drink in a bar, you’ll be asked if you want a to-go cup.  That means you can actually take your drink with you, to go! You can walk around the city with your drink in hand or even carry your ice chest full of beer along the parade route if you please.  Just don’t bring glass or do anything dumb and no questions will be asked.8. There are certain foods you can’t go without

If you want to fit in like a local, you need to come prepared on the parade route with your king cake, preferably from Randazzo’s, a box of Popeye’s chicken, and daiquiri in hand. Pro tip: get a gallon of daiquiri for sharing.9. Hotels are booked 1 year+ in advance

If you’re planning a trip down to New Orleans and want to watch the craziness unfold from your own Bourbon Street balcony, you’ll need to plan as early as a year in advance as these rooms book quickly.  It’s important to know that you won’t be able to see the parades such as Endymion and Bacchus from your room, since they don’t roll down that route, but if you’re wanting a never ending, 24 hour party where the bars never close, this is for you.10. It’s all about having a good time

Louisianians love a good time and never miss out on a chance to celebrate or throw a party.  The people are extra friendly, so don’t get caught off guard when strangers talk to you like they’ve known you forever, offer you a plate of food, or a beer.  We love to dance, drink, eat, and most importantly, laissez les bon temps rouler!Are you planning a trip for Mardi Gras in New Orleans or have you already been?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

To see more adventures around New Orleans for Mardi Gras, check out these posts and follow me on Instagram and Snapchat (username @thesouthrnthing) to watch all the Mardi Gras in New Orleans shenanigans unfold!