Happy Mardi Gras!

I lived in the New Orleans area my entire life until my move to Texas 2 years ago, and I had never been to a New Orleans parade until this year!  Boy, have I missed out!  A party unlike any other, that’s for sure.

The Parades

The days leading up to Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day) are the busiest for sure, but parades start on January 6th.  On Mardi Gras weekend, you can see parades back to back from the same location.  The floats are gorgeous and unlike anything you’ve seen.  The masked riders throw beads, balls, light up toys, stuffed animals, and more.  We even got light up Spock ears!  You really just never know!  Parade viewers go crazy for the stuff, so even though you don’t really care about all the junk they throw from the floats, all of a sudden you find yourself begging for anything and everything!

The marching bands are another big highlight!  You see a ton of local high school bands, but bands from all over come to march.  The loud beating of the drumline and fancy moves by the band members really make it all so exciting.

Then there’s all the other crazy things that you’d never think you’d ever see in your life!  Ladies in clawfoot tubs, men in motorized recliners, a middle-aged men’s dance group, and the list goes on and on.

Staying at a hotel on the parade route and purchasing grand stand (bleachers) tickets is the way to go.  You can go inside the hotel to grab a bite to eat, get a drink and use the restroom whenever you want.  It’s also very family friendly.  Also, make sure you get Mardi Gras shirts, glitter, feathers…really anything that is festive so you feel like you fit in for the festivities!

Extravaganza, Balls, Concerts

The Endymion Extravaganza is the biggest party!  There are a couple parades where they end inside with a big ball/party.  I was able to go to Endymion, and WOW!  My husband got to ride on a float in the parade, and he said it was amazing.  The Extravaganza is a formal event.  Men not riding wear tuxes and women wear gowns.  Depending on the level of ticket you buy, you can either bring your own food/drinks or you have it all waiting for you if it’s included in what you purchased.

The parade literally rolls through the Superdome or Convention Center and everyone goes NUTS!  The floats almost look like they explode when they enter the building!  The riders and throwing handfuls of glowsticks, beads, cups, etc.  You definitely have to watch your face and your friends’ faces because it can hurt!  The floats of Endymion are all lit up and they are gorgeous.

There’s always a big concert with a showcase entertainer.  This year it was Darius Rucker, and he put on a great show!  Everyone is dancing and have a great time.  The event goes on until 3AM!

So, if you can’t tell, we had an unforgettable experience.  I’d highly recommend traveling to NOLA for Mardi Gras so you can experience the biggest party in the world for yourself!  You won’t regret it!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler 💜💚💛⚜️

-Rebecca