Mardi Gras
Held annually in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Mardi Gras is one big party of parades, masquerade balls and festive street celebrations. Mardi Gras is also referred to as “Fat Tuesday” – “Gras” is French for “Fat” and “Mardi” is French for “Tuesday.” Mardi Gras always falls on a Tuesday. Dates vary from year-to-year – it’s dependent upon the date of Easter Sunday. Mardi Gras is always the day before Ash Wednesday. Enjoy a variety of Fun Mardi Gras Parades and celebrations throughout New Orleans’ Carnival season.
French Quarter Festival
The annual French Quarter Festival takes place in early April throughout the historic French Quarter. Touted as the South’s largest FREE Music Festival, it features more than 150 musical performances on 17 stages over a three-day period. The festival began in 1984 and today, it’s more popular than ever, drawing almost a half million people from around the world.
Mini Mardi Gras at Halloween
If the insanity of Mardi Gras is a little overwhelming, yet you’d like to experience the full “party” atmosphere of New Orleans, plan a visit during Halloween. The French Quarter is filled with costumed revelers – it’s a great place to party and people-watch.
Super Parades
Super Krewes (or Super Parades) are the largest Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans – defined by their spectacular super-floats, marching bands and celebrity Grand Marshalls. Three popular Super Krewes that take place in New Orleans include: Krewe of Endymion, Krewe of Bacchus and Krewe of Orpheus.