New Orleans Insider's Guide to Mardi Gras
The sweet taste of King Cake, Krewe Royalty draped in velvet and luxurious fur, the city a mass of green, purple and sparkling gold — only once a year can you experience the enchanting magic of Mardi Gras in the Crescent City. Whether it's a family affair, you're here with friends or it's a solo adventure, the Carnival season is more than a spectator sport. We invite you to dive in, immerse yourself, become a part of the parade and find your Mardi Gras adventure with these insiders tips and insights from our team members.
What is the neutral ground?
Do you see that grassy median running down the middle of nearly every New Orleans street? This, my friends, is the neutral ground. Parade goers will often use the terms "sidewalk side" or "neutral ground side" to differentiate where they stand to watch the floats pass by, or if you're a krewe member, on which side of the float you'll be. Of course, once the parades begin, there's no crossing the street. So if you're meeting up with friends along the parade route, make sure you know which side they're on!
@paulostevendiniz
Find yourself pleasantly relieved
Don't worry, there are other more pleasant bathroom options than that shady looking porta-potty on the corner. Most restaurants and bars along the parade routes and within the French Quarter offer $5-$10 all-day bathroom passes or one-time-visits for $1–$2. Otherwise, grab a cocktail or refreshment from the bartender, and enjoy their facilities as a paying customer. Don't forget you can take your drink with you in a classic go-cup! Oftentimes churches or schools will also offer their facilities and sell food and drinks to parade-goers for fundraising purposes. Scout the neighborhood of your parade route to find out what's nearby.
@davidnola
Dress the part
"Should I dress up for Mardi Gras?" Yes, yes you should. Don't just sit back and people watch (as fun as that can be), jump in, get festive and be a part of the crowd! Anything goes really, so the more feathers, masks, flowers, beads, sparkles and bright colors, the better. Be creative and laissez les bons temps rouler ("let the good times roll")!
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| @magzschiedrich | @districtdonuts |
King Cake is not just for the royals
King Cakes start hitting the shelves just after Christmas (around January 6th), and believe me, I'm there with everyone else to get one fresh from the oven. January 6th marks the day of Epiphany, a Catholic holiday celebrated as the day where the Three Kings came to honor and bring gifts to the Christian Messiah. A sweet brioche-like dessert usually flavored with cinnamon and topped with an icing glaze and colored sugar crystals, this "King's Cake" is meant to represent the Magi. The three colors typically used on the cake are Purple (representing Justice), Green (representing Faith) and Gold (representing Power). Inside the cake is placed a small plastic baby, and the rule is that whoever finds the baby must purchase a king cake for the next gathering. King cakes have become more elaborate over the years, featuring every kind of topping, filling, and variation of cake-bread. Every local has their favorite version, but our top Team Members picks would have to be Randazzo's, Dong Phuong and New Orleans Cake Cafe & Bakery.
@van_geaux_goes
Feel grand in the Grandstands
If you fancy private bathrooms and guaranteed seating for your parade-watching experience, try the grandstands! From $5 to $65, you can purchase select elevated seating in one of four areas along the parade route through downtown. This is a great option if you have children or simply want the comfort and convenience. Plus, the floats always pay special attention to grandstanders and you'll be sure to get some great throws.
designs by Lisa Henriquez
Grab those coveted throws
Aim high, dream big, and go for the (purple, green and) gold! Don't be satisfied with just your everyday set of colorful beads. Check out the Krewe of Nyx for intricately designed purses, the Krewe of Muses for shoes just as elaborately decorated, the cute plush "Boeuf Gras" (fattened ox) of Krewe of Rex and the most coveted Krewe of Zulu painted Coconut. Be sure to arrive early to the parade and make camp somewhere close to the middle of the route. Too close to the beginning and float riders won't be giving out all their specialty goods right away; too far at the end and they'll simply be out of supplies. By law, krewes are not allowed to actually THROW these throws — too many opportunities for injuries. You'll have to get as close to the floats as you possibly can (safely), put on your best smile, and beg and plead with a loud and clear "Throw me something, mister!" Bon chance and may the throw odds fall in your favor!
@tmliving74
Don't let the parade pass you by
If you're a first-time Mardi-Gras-er, or simply not familiar with the city itself, you may have a hard time navigating the closed-off streets and finding your way to the parade routes. Keep track of the floats and their movement in real time with apps like the Mardi Gras Parade Tracker and WDSU Parade Tracker. You'll never miss a beat keeping tabs on these krewes with updates on delays and reschedulings.
Parking Hacks
Parking is always a beast during Mardi Gras, especially in the French Quarter. If you're looking for a parking lot, be sure to get there early as they fill up fast and may not be easily accessible due to police barricades and closed streets. If you're staying at Loews New Orleans, you can rest your wheels inside our parking garage and be within perfect walking distance to all the parade routes. If your accommodations aren't walkable to any of the parades, try renting a bike (or bringing your own) and don't forget a lock! It's great fun to get to see the city from a two-wheeled vantage point and, bonus, you're not worried about having to pay for exorbitant parking fees. Ubers and taxis are always options, but keep in mind the inevitable congested traffic and blockades, so getting in and out of the Quarter might still require some walking. If you take the bus or streetcar, keep an eye on track closures or alternative routes with this public transit tracking app. And if all else fails, hail a pedicab!
Lizzie
Lizzie has been at Loews New Orleans since January 2016 and is a new resident of the Big Easy—but no stranger to its rich culture, colorful character and incredible cuisine. Her mom’s a NOLA native, and she’s excited to be returning to her roots.
