Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) ~

When it comes to celebrating carnival festivities, there is no way you can leave off New Orlean’s Mardi Gras on your top 10 destination list. This annual tradition, also known as Fat Tuesday, is one of the crown jewels of New Orleans, which brings in tourists from around the world. In addition to this, it is a legal holiday in Louisiana. Mardi Gras preparations and festivities usually kick off a month before the big day, the Tuesday right before Ash Wednesday, with numerous parades, masked balls, and lavish dinners.

Although it may be a time of revelry, Mardi Gras has much more to offer. There is a bonding of friends and families, wholesome activities, and learning of culture. It is a celebration you will never forget! Prepare yourself to eat to you can’t anymore, party until you are exhausted, and ready to catch all the impressive throws from the floats. Remember to say, “Throw me something, mister!” Haha!

P.S. Try a piece of king cake!

For more information on Mardi Gras, here is a link: https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

Krewe Of Endymion Parade

The Endymion parade is one of the largest parades to occur during Mardi Gras. It normally takes place on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday in the late afternoon hours with a Krewe of upwards to 3000 people, throwing festive carnival items from the decorative floats. Endymion traditionally ends its route in the New Orleans Mercedes-Benz Superdome (only parade to do so) with a big celebration and performances by a variety of artists. However, their big party took place in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center because of renovations in the Superdome this year. Also, due to someone hit by a float, the parade was cut short.

Krewe Of Bacchus Parade

The Bacchus parade is another massive one with a super krewe of float riders that takes place on the Sunday before Fat Tuesday in the late afternoon. This parade has a krewe of all-male riders and was the first to introduce celebrities as a reigning King over the processions every year. Their national star this year was the singer, Robin Thicke.

Snacking On Crawfish Nachos!

Please try some! My favorite!

(Photo was taken by Anjelika Perry)

Random Street Parade

A random street parade was going on during a break between more prominent parades. It was very interesting and fun!

Some New Orleans’s Cuisines

Boiled Crawfish, Potatoes, And Corn.

A must eat while in New Orleans!

Charbroiled Oysters

Located at Neyow’s Creole Cafe – Highly recommended.

Fried Crawfish Etouffee

Located at Gumbo Ya-Ya – I wouldn’t recommend it. Try the original way (not fried) somewhere else.

Krewe Of Zulu

Zulu is the largest predominantly African American parade in all of Mardi Gras. It generally starts at 8 a.m. on Fat Tuesday. You would want to wake up early for this parade to catch one of the most sought-after items in all of Mardi Gras, the Zulu’s famous coconuts! They also host a big coronation ball on that Friday before the big day. The renowned jazz trumpeter and New Orleanian, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong reigned as King Zulu in 1949.

Krewe Of Crescent City

Crescent City is a truck parade that follows after Zulu. They throw a lot of goodies!

Bourbon Street

Most people already know about the famous Bourbon Street, which has a Laissez-faire approach. Anything goes, and I mean anything. I would certainly recommend not bringing children down this street, but if you decide to, please do it during the day. Nevertheless, during Mardi Gras, crazy things happen day or night, especially on Fat Tuesday! Without a doubt, Bourbon Street is for adult entertainment only.

Indeed, you will have lots of fun! I would suggest booking a reservation for a balcony or roaming the streets until you find one available like my group, and I did. It was only $25, but make sure to bring your own “nice” beads, so you will have something to throw to people down below! You will be glad you did! Haha!