Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the biggest festivals, drawing people from all over the world. The event date is set for March 4, 2025, beginning a new chapter in history that celebrates the region’s culture with joy and excitement. That’s why we’ve prepared a valuable Mardi Gras guide for first-time visitors on how to make the most of your weekend in the sun.
Understanding Mardi Gras: Origins and Traditions
Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday” in French, has its origins as a descendant of ancient Roman festivals such as Saturnalia and Lupercalia, which were celebrated to honor spring and fertility. The early incorporation of pagan traditions before Lent eventually evolved into what is now known as the Carnival celebration as Christianity spread. Mardi Gras is the final day of Carnival, the Christian festival season that begins 40 days before the Easter Fast is celebrated. The term “Fat Tuesday” evolved from the tradition of eating gourmet food and throwing parties before Lent.
In America, the Mardi Gras tradition began in New Orleans in the early 18th century. The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration took place in 1703, with a grand ball held in the small hamlet of Fort Louis de la Mobile, founded by Jean-Baptiste le Moine de Bienville. This was followed by a Mardi Gras ball and masquerade ball for the locals. As the years passed, the celebrations evolved into processions, including masquerade balls, street dance parties, and extravagant parades by the Krewe, social clubs. Almost every Krewe has a different backstory regarding Mardi Gras and how it influenced them, further deepening the history of the event and the holiday.
Plan your visit: key dates and events
Mardi Gras season officially begins on January 6th, also known as Twelfth Night, and runs through Fat Tuesday. This year, 2025, Fat Tuesday falls on March 4th. The weeks leading up to this day include parades, balls, and other related festivals and events that are some of America’s best. The biggest parades are often held during the last two weeks, leading directly to Mardi Gras.
All the top crews will host the most anticipated parade, including Endymion, Bacchus, and Orpheus. For example, the Endymion parade is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This will be followed by Bacchus on Sunday 2nd March and Orpheus on Monday 3rd March. Each parade features elaborate floats, live bands, and “throws” such as beads, doubloons, and other trinkets that are thrown to the audience.
Where to watch: Parade routes and viewing options
In New Orleans, the parade follows a route along popular streets such as St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. Each of these locations offers plenty of space for attendees, perfect for spectators looking to enjoy America’s major annual event. Here are some ways you can watch it in full.
Join the street game: Admission is free and there are no reserved seats. However, you can join the crowd along the parade route with other members of the public. To get the best viewing spot, arrive early, especially for popular parades.
Grandstand: Along the routes of these parades, some organizations have set up ticketed temporary bleachers above the reserved seats. These are a great option for anyone looking for a comfortable and reliable viewing spot.
Balcony access: Many accommodations in the French Quarter offer balcony access for a fee, providing great visuals among the crowds. These locations also serve food and drinks.
Things to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras 2025
Explore the French Quarter
Stroll through the historic French Quarter, which highlights the soul of New Orleans with its ghost tours, nightlife, and unique architecture. It has a vibrant scene and is home to Bourbon Street, famous for its music and street shows.
Visit Mardi Gras World
Tour this warehouse and get a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry that goes into designing Mardi Gras floats. Discover the talent and ingenuity on display at this festival.
Taste local cuisine
Explore New Orleans’ gastronomic treasures, from gumbo and jambalaya to po’boys and crawfish étouffee.
enjoy live music
Head to Frenchman Street to get a taste of the city’s legendary music scene. Listen to jazz, blues, and brass bands and feel like you’re part of New Orleans’ long musical history.
attend a masquerade ball
If you’re lucky enough to get an invitation, visit one of our private crew balls and experience traditional Mardi Gras 2025 firsthand.
Second line parade experience
Additionally, there is a lively second line parade with brass bands and people dancing in the streets.
Take a riverboat cruise
Take a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River aboard the steamboat Natchez. For a refreshing break from the busy streets, enjoy live jazz music and traditional Creole cuisine on our various cruises.
Visit Jackson Square
This historic French Quarter square is lined with artists, performers, and unique shops surrounding the St. Louis Cathedral and is a great spot for people-watching. A great place to take photos and buy souvenirs.
Explore the Garden District
One of the best walking tours around, with charming oak-lined streets, beautiful mansions, and huge gardens. This is one of the most relaxing spring break vacations in the United States.
shop at the local market
Shop for special gifts, homemade items, and New Orleans-themed souvenirs at the French Market. The market is filled with local food stalls, so you can grab a snack while browsing the stalls.
Attend a live jazz show
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and you can hear live music just about anywhere. The city is always filled with music, from energetic brass bands to lively swinging jazz ensembles. Hear top jazz acts perform at famous venues like Preservation Hall and Tipitina.
Learn the history of Voodoo
Discover the mystical side of the city at the New Orleans Historical Voodoo Museum and take a themed Voodoo walking tour.
Enjoy a cocktail inspired by Mardi Gras
Try delicious celebratory drinks like Hurricane and Sazerac at the legendary Pat O’Brien’s or Carousel Bar & Lounge.
Take a ghost tour
Take a Haunted History Ghost Tour in New Orleans. Ghost stories and ghosts are what make this city such an exciting place.
National World War II Museum
One of the best World War II museums with interactive exhibits and fun Mardi Gras history events.
Explore City Park
Experience City Park with attractions such as the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Storyland, and an antique carousel. This park has a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Like other state parks, it focuses on wildlife and the environment, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
Take a swamp tour
Get out of town and explore wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds on a tour of the Louisiana Bayou.
Let’s go to Harrah’s Casino
Feeling lucky? Harrah’s New Orleans Casino offers a variety of games, entertainment, and restaurants.
Attend a local art festival
Be sure to seek out arts and crafts festivals and markets while you’re here. It’s the time of year when local artists show off their wares at various street art shows and sell them on the streets.
Photographing Mardi Gras street acts
During Mardi Gras, you can see street performers everywhere. You might also see people singing and flash mobs near Bourbon Street and Jackson Square.
How to find accommodation during Mardi Gras in New Orleans
- Look for accommodation several months before your departure date.
- Being close to the parade route (uptown or central business district) makes it easier to join in the fun. The French Quarter is also a popular destination, but a little more expensive.
- Staying in areas like Mid-City or the Marigny/Bywater area allows you to get something more affordable without being too far from the action.
- Always book on trusted platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and branded hotel chains to avoid inaccuracies and scammers.
Practical tips for first-time participants
- Heavy traffic and road closures will make driving difficult, so consider walking along the parade route or taking public transportation.
- Several attractions around this area are within walking distance, but public transportation is convenient for reaching other neighborhoods and nearby areas of town.
- Please be careful in crowded areas and be careful with your personal belongings. We recommend traveling in groups, especially late at night.
- Dress up for the festive spirit or wear purple, green and gold (symbolizing justice, faith and power).
conclusion
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a special place where history and culture intersect with celebration. This guide will prepare you for an amazing experience at one of America’s most iconic festivals.
