Mardi Gras, New Orleans 2023
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Mardi Gras Day in 2023 is February 21st. While Carnival season kicks off on January 6th, most parades will roll from February 10th through Mardi Gras Day on Tuesday, February 21st.
Parades only occur at night Monday-Friday but run both during the day and at night on the weekends during Carnival season. Mardi Gras Day is an all-day celebration. Most travelers coming to New Orleans for Mardi Gras like to arrive the Thursday before and stay through Mardi Gras Day on Tuesday. The days leading up to Mardi Gras Day are very exciting and filled with activities, so arriving early allows guests to participate.
Hotel accommodations fill up quickly. Many hotels only accept arrivals on or before the Friday just before Mardi Gras Day, and most require a three- or fournight minimum stay.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Mardi Gras FAQ
What does 'Mardi Gras' mean?
Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday.” The day before is Lundi Gras, or “Fat Monday.”
When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras Day changes every year, as it depends on the date of Easter. It is always 46 days before Easter (40 days of Lent plus six Sundays) and the day before Ash Wednesday
What is a parade?
Mardi Gras parades have their roots in Mardi Gras krewes. Krewes, or groups of revelers, band together to put on a parade or Mardi Gras ball during the Carnival season. Each parade is named for a krewe and fills its floats with members. The King and Queen of each krewe lead the parade, followed by multiple floats. Parades can also include marching bands, dancing groups, horses and riders, clowns, motorcycle units and more. It’s not uncommon for there to be up to 3,000 participants in a parade.
When are the parades held?
Carnival season kicks off on January 6th each year, bringing king cakes, Mardi Gras decorations and an overall sense of celebration. Most parades do not start rolling until two Fridays before Mardi Gras Day, however. See below for a parade schedule
What makes Mardi Gras parades different?
Throws turn New Orleans parades into crowd participation events. The most popular items are those that bear the krewe's insignia, such as doubloons (metal coins), cups and medallion emblem necklaces. Many items also illustrate the parade’s theme, making them collectibles
Where do I watch a parade?
Check online for the specific route of each parade and join the locals on the curbside! You can also enjoy viewing from grandstand seats along St. Charles Avenue. These are available for purchase through Mardi Gras Parade Tickets at www.mardigrasparadetickets.com and New Orleans Parade Tickets at www.neworleansparadetickets.com.
How do I go to a Mardi Gras ball?
Admission to traditional tableaux balls is by non-transferable invitation only. The carnival organizations are private clubs and invitations are normally not extended to the public. You can buy tickets to Orpheuscapade, however, the Krewe of Orpheus’ extravagant version of a Mardi Gras ball. This black-tie event has live music, dancing and a chance to catch some throws when the parade rolls through the Convention Center. Visit www.kreweoforpheus.com for more information on purchasing tickets.
Call (866) 489-4889 for more information or to book today! Mention code 14242200
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