Catch all the\u00a0parades, or be a part of one<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/CVB_1041.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Newbies might think there’s a<\/em> Mardi Gras parade. But in reality, there are multiple parades over the course of a few weeks. The floats, balls and processions are put together by various krewes, or\u00a0social organizations that each have their own theme and history. From massive super krewes like Endymion and Nyx to tiny marching clubs you can actually walk with, visitors should consult the Mardi Gras parade schedule<\/a> and take advantage of free apps (like the WWL Parade Tracker<\/a>) to create an agenda\u2014ensuring you don\u2019t miss any action.<\/p>\nDefinitely wear a costume<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Costume-at-Antoines-by-Todd-Coleman-TC-0007070.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Embrace Carnival\u2019s transformative power and dress up! Whether it\u2019s a suit with red beans hot-glued into intricate patterns or a getup purchased from a local costume shop (Mask Gallery<\/a> or Uptown Costume and Dancewear<\/a> are two solid resources), you\u2019ll see costumes of all types during Mardi Gras. (Crunched for time? Simply grab a wig and a Perlis rugby shirt<\/a> in purple, green and gold, the official colors of Mardi Gras.)<\/p>\nForget beignets, try King Cake creations<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/GraciousBakeryKingCakeCreditRandySchmidt1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Yes, the beignet is beloved in New Orleans, but since King Cakes reign supreme during Mardi Gras, seek out some creative Carnival confections while they last. You\u2019ll find traditional cakes, plus unique slices, like the new-for-2020 \u201cmoon pie\u201d-inspired King Cake at Gracious Bakery<\/a>, or opt for a liquid dessert since King Cake drinks designed for adults are plentiful. (Blue Oak BBQ<\/a>\u2019s King Cake Daiquiri even comes garnished with a mini slice!)<\/p>\nLearn the history of Mardi Gras past<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ArnaudsMardiGrasMuseumPhotoCourtesyArnauds.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Need some context for all this craziness? Visit the free Mardi Gras Museum within historic Arnaud\u2019s Restaurant<\/a> (open 7 days a week during restaurant hours) or check out the famously intricate costumes of Mardi Gras Indians by appointment at the House of Dance & Feathers<\/a>.<\/p>\nALSO:<\/strong> Looking for\u00a0lagniappes? Orbitz Rewards treats to you big perks, and it’s free to join!<\/a><\/p>\nWalk or bike if you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Crescent-City-Connection-Bridge-by-Zack-Smith-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
New Orleans has become increasingly bike friendly with the opening of the Lafitte Greenway<\/a>, connecting Armstrong Park to City Park, so avoid the inevitable Mardi Gras traffic snarls and walk or ride around town. (Left your wheels at home? Blue Bikes<\/a> are stationed around the city for rent by the minute.)<\/p>\nGet up early on Mardi Gras day (really early)<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/MardiGrasIndianPhotoCreditCrystalPalardy.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Set your alarm: You don\u2019t want to miss the elaborately costumed North Side Skull and Bone Gang waking up the neighborhood, a 200-year-old tradition and counting. (Head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum<\/a> at 5am, which houses an amazing Mardi Gras Indian costume collection, to tag along.) Later, join up with the loosely organized Secret Society of St. Anne, whose members march on foot through the Marigny and French Quarter around 10am (you\u2019ll know them by their elaborate costumes and hula hoops).<\/p>\nPack a bug out bag<\/strong><\/h2>\nBring an empty tote bag to every parade (for the beads and throws you want to keep), cash (to buy drinks or food on the street or to tip flambeaux, who carry flaming torches during the major parades), water (stay hydrated) and hand wipes (just trust us on this one).<\/p>\n
Ride on a float<\/h1>\n
This is certainly a worthy bucket list experience if ever there was one. Picture yourself not in the street with throngs of other onlookers but on an actual Mardi Gras parade float, tossing beads and other goodies to the masses! Many krewes allow out-of-towners to ride along but the experience doesn’t come cheap, and slots fill up fast. Reach out to individual krewes<\/a>\u00a0well in advance for prices and availability.<\/p>\nSplurge on a Mardi Gras Ball<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you didn’t plan far enough ahead to join a krewe and roll in a parade as a bead-throwing member, you can still purchase tickets to some big extravaganzas, like the Zulu Coronation Ball<\/a> (many are held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center). And don\u2019t be ashamed to wear comfy shoes with your tux or ball gown.<\/p>\nCatch as many coveted throws as you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Mardi-Gras-by-Paul-Broussard-69.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Beads are lovely, but scoring one of the collectible throws of Mardi Gras 2020 can make your trip truly memorable. What’s a throw? Basically any goody that’s thrown from a float: Think doubloons, cups, trinkets or toys. Aim to catch a decorated toilet brush from the Krewe of Tucks, for example, or a hand-glittered high-heeled shoe from Muses, or a doubloon, aka krewe coin, from Rex.<\/p>\n
Embrace the risqu\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/GreasingofthePoles2PhotoCourtesyNewOrleansConventionandVisitorsBureau.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Yes, most of Mardi Gras is (surprisingly) family friendly, but there are some suggestive-slanting spectacles on offer, too, particularly on Bourbon Street. The Bourbon Street Awards<\/a> celebrate some of Carnival\u2019s most outrageous drag and leather costumes with cash prizes, while the Greasing of the Poles<\/a> is exactly what it sounds like, proving imagination is never in short supply during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nDefinitely wear a costume<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Embrace Carnival\u2019s transformative power and dress up! Whether it\u2019s a suit with red beans hot-glued into intricate patterns or a getup purchased from a local costume shop (Mask Gallery<\/a> or Uptown Costume and Dancewear<\/a> are two solid resources), you\u2019ll see costumes of all types during Mardi Gras. (Crunched for time? Simply grab a wig and a Perlis rugby shirt<\/a> in purple, green and gold, the official colors of Mardi Gras.)<\/p>\nForget beignets, try King Cake creations<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Yes, the beignet is beloved in New Orleans, but since King Cakes reign supreme during Mardi Gras, seek out some creative Carnival confections while they last. You\u2019ll find traditional cakes, plus unique slices, like the new-for-2020 \u201cmoon pie\u201d-inspired King Cake at Gracious Bakery<\/a>, or opt for a liquid dessert since King Cake drinks designed for adults are plentiful. (Blue Oak BBQ<\/a>\u2019s King Cake Daiquiri even comes garnished with a mini slice!)<\/p>\nLearn the history of Mardi Gras past<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Need some context for all this craziness? Visit the free Mardi Gras Museum within historic Arnaud\u2019s Restaurant<\/a> (open 7 days a week during restaurant hours) or check out the famously intricate costumes of Mardi Gras Indians by appointment at the House of Dance & Feathers<\/a>.<\/p>\nALSO:<\/strong> Looking for\u00a0lagniappes? Orbitz Rewards treats to you big perks, and it’s free to join!<\/a><\/p>\nWalk or bike if you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
New Orleans has become increasingly bike friendly with the opening of the Lafitte Greenway<\/a>, connecting Armstrong Park to City Park, so avoid the inevitable Mardi Gras traffic snarls and walk or ride around town. (Left your wheels at home? Blue Bikes<\/a> are stationed around the city for rent by the minute.)<\/p>\nGet up early on Mardi Gras day (really early)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Set your alarm: You don\u2019t want to miss the elaborately costumed North Side Skull and Bone Gang waking up the neighborhood, a 200-year-old tradition and counting. (Head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum<\/a> at 5am, which houses an amazing Mardi Gras Indian costume collection, to tag along.) Later, join up with the loosely organized Secret Society of St. Anne, whose members march on foot through the Marigny and French Quarter around 10am (you\u2019ll know them by their elaborate costumes and hula hoops).<\/p>\nPack a bug out bag<\/strong><\/h2>\nBring an empty tote bag to every parade (for the beads and throws you want to keep), cash (to buy drinks or food on the street or to tip flambeaux, who carry flaming torches during the major parades), water (stay hydrated) and hand wipes (just trust us on this one).<\/p>\n
Ride on a float<\/h1>\n
This is certainly a worthy bucket list experience if ever there was one. Picture yourself not in the street with throngs of other onlookers but on an actual Mardi Gras parade float, tossing beads and other goodies to the masses! Many krewes allow out-of-towners to ride along but the experience doesn’t come cheap, and slots fill up fast. Reach out to individual krewes<\/a>\u00a0well in advance for prices and availability.<\/p>\nSplurge on a Mardi Gras Ball<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you didn’t plan far enough ahead to join a krewe and roll in a parade as a bead-throwing member, you can still purchase tickets to some big extravaganzas, like the Zulu Coronation Ball<\/a> (many are held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center). And don\u2019t be ashamed to wear comfy shoes with your tux or ball gown.<\/p>\nCatch as many coveted throws as you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Beads are lovely, but scoring one of the collectible throws of Mardi Gras 2020 can make your trip truly memorable. What’s a throw? Basically any goody that’s thrown from a float: Think doubloons, cups, trinkets or toys. Aim to catch a decorated toilet brush from the Krewe of Tucks, for example, or a hand-glittered high-heeled shoe from Muses, or a doubloon, aka krewe coin, from Rex.<\/p>\n
Embrace the risqu\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Yes, most of Mardi Gras is (surprisingly) family friendly, but there are some suggestive-slanting spectacles on offer, too, particularly on Bourbon Street. The Bourbon Street Awards<\/a> celebrate some of Carnival\u2019s most outrageous drag and leather costumes with cash prizes, while the Greasing of the Poles<\/a> is exactly what it sounds like, proving imagination is never in short supply during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nForget beignets, try King Cake creations<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Yes, the beignet is beloved in New Orleans, but since King Cakes reign supreme during Mardi Gras, seek out some creative Carnival confections while they last. You\u2019ll find traditional cakes, plus unique slices, like the new-for-2020 \u201cmoon pie\u201d-inspired King Cake at Gracious Bakery<\/a>, or opt for a liquid dessert since King Cake drinks designed for adults are plentiful. (Blue Oak BBQ<\/a>\u2019s King Cake Daiquiri even comes garnished with a mini slice!)<\/p>\nLearn the history of Mardi Gras past<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Need some context for all this craziness? Visit the free Mardi Gras Museum within historic Arnaud\u2019s Restaurant<\/a> (open 7 days a week during restaurant hours) or check out the famously intricate costumes of Mardi Gras Indians by appointment at the House of Dance & Feathers<\/a>.<\/p>\nALSO:<\/strong> Looking for\u00a0lagniappes? Orbitz Rewards treats to you big perks, and it’s free to join!<\/a><\/p>\nWalk or bike if you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
New Orleans has become increasingly bike friendly with the opening of the Lafitte Greenway<\/a>, connecting Armstrong Park to City Park, so avoid the inevitable Mardi Gras traffic snarls and walk or ride around town. (Left your wheels at home? Blue Bikes<\/a> are stationed around the city for rent by the minute.)<\/p>\nGet up early on Mardi Gras day (really early)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Set your alarm: You don\u2019t want to miss the elaborately costumed North Side Skull and Bone Gang waking up the neighborhood, a 200-year-old tradition and counting. (Head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum<\/a> at 5am, which houses an amazing Mardi Gras Indian costume collection, to tag along.) Later, join up with the loosely organized Secret Society of St. Anne, whose members march on foot through the Marigny and French Quarter around 10am (you\u2019ll know them by their elaborate costumes and hula hoops).<\/p>\nPack a bug out bag<\/strong><\/h2>\nBring an empty tote bag to every parade (for the beads and throws you want to keep), cash (to buy drinks or food on the street or to tip flambeaux, who carry flaming torches during the major parades), water (stay hydrated) and hand wipes (just trust us on this one).<\/p>\n
Ride on a float<\/h1>\n
This is certainly a worthy bucket list experience if ever there was one. Picture yourself not in the street with throngs of other onlookers but on an actual Mardi Gras parade float, tossing beads and other goodies to the masses! Many krewes allow out-of-towners to ride along but the experience doesn’t come cheap, and slots fill up fast. Reach out to individual krewes<\/a>\u00a0well in advance for prices and availability.<\/p>\nSplurge on a Mardi Gras Ball<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you didn’t plan far enough ahead to join a krewe and roll in a parade as a bead-throwing member, you can still purchase tickets to some big extravaganzas, like the Zulu Coronation Ball<\/a> (many are held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center). And don\u2019t be ashamed to wear comfy shoes with your tux or ball gown.<\/p>\nCatch as many coveted throws as you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Beads are lovely, but scoring one of the collectible throws of Mardi Gras 2020 can make your trip truly memorable. What’s a throw? Basically any goody that’s thrown from a float: Think doubloons, cups, trinkets or toys. Aim to catch a decorated toilet brush from the Krewe of Tucks, for example, or a hand-glittered high-heeled shoe from Muses, or a doubloon, aka krewe coin, from Rex.<\/p>\n
Embrace the risqu\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Yes, most of Mardi Gras is (surprisingly) family friendly, but there are some suggestive-slanting spectacles on offer, too, particularly on Bourbon Street. The Bourbon Street Awards<\/a> celebrate some of Carnival\u2019s most outrageous drag and leather costumes with cash prizes, while the Greasing of the Poles<\/a> is exactly what it sounds like, proving imagination is never in short supply during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nLearn the history of Mardi Gras past<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Need some context for all this craziness? Visit the free Mardi Gras Museum within historic Arnaud\u2019s Restaurant<\/a> (open 7 days a week during restaurant hours) or check out the famously intricate costumes of Mardi Gras Indians by appointment at the House of Dance & Feathers<\/a>.<\/p>\nALSO:<\/strong> Looking for\u00a0lagniappes? Orbitz Rewards treats to you big perks, and it’s free to join!<\/a><\/p>\nWalk or bike if you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
New Orleans has become increasingly bike friendly with the opening of the Lafitte Greenway<\/a>, connecting Armstrong Park to City Park, so avoid the inevitable Mardi Gras traffic snarls and walk or ride around town. (Left your wheels at home? Blue Bikes<\/a> are stationed around the city for rent by the minute.)<\/p>\nGet up early on Mardi Gras day (really early)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Set your alarm: You don\u2019t want to miss the elaborately costumed North Side Skull and Bone Gang waking up the neighborhood, a 200-year-old tradition and counting. (Head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum<\/a> at 5am, which houses an amazing Mardi Gras Indian costume collection, to tag along.) Later, join up with the loosely organized Secret Society of St. Anne, whose members march on foot through the Marigny and French Quarter around 10am (you\u2019ll know them by their elaborate costumes and hula hoops).<\/p>\nPack a bug out bag<\/strong><\/h2>\nBring an empty tote bag to every parade (for the beads and throws you want to keep), cash (to buy drinks or food on the street or to tip flambeaux, who carry flaming torches during the major parades), water (stay hydrated) and hand wipes (just trust us on this one).<\/p>\n
Ride on a float<\/h1>\n
This is certainly a worthy bucket list experience if ever there was one. Picture yourself not in the street with throngs of other onlookers but on an actual Mardi Gras parade float, tossing beads and other goodies to the masses! Many krewes allow out-of-towners to ride along but the experience doesn’t come cheap, and slots fill up fast. Reach out to individual krewes<\/a>\u00a0well in advance for prices and availability.<\/p>\nSplurge on a Mardi Gras Ball<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you didn’t plan far enough ahead to join a krewe and roll in a parade as a bead-throwing member, you can still purchase tickets to some big extravaganzas, like the Zulu Coronation Ball<\/a> (many are held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center). And don\u2019t be ashamed to wear comfy shoes with your tux or ball gown.<\/p>\nCatch as many coveted throws as you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Beads are lovely, but scoring one of the collectible throws of Mardi Gras 2020 can make your trip truly memorable. What’s a throw? Basically any goody that’s thrown from a float: Think doubloons, cups, trinkets or toys. Aim to catch a decorated toilet brush from the Krewe of Tucks, for example, or a hand-glittered high-heeled shoe from Muses, or a doubloon, aka krewe coin, from Rex.<\/p>\n
Embrace the risqu\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Yes, most of Mardi Gras is (surprisingly) family friendly, but there are some suggestive-slanting spectacles on offer, too, particularly on Bourbon Street. The Bourbon Street Awards<\/a> celebrate some of Carnival\u2019s most outrageous drag and leather costumes with cash prizes, while the Greasing of the Poles<\/a> is exactly what it sounds like, proving imagination is never in short supply during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nALSO:<\/strong> Looking for\u00a0lagniappes? Orbitz Rewards treats to you big perks, and it’s free to join!<\/a><\/p>\n New Orleans has become increasingly bike friendly with the opening of the Lafitte Greenway<\/a>, connecting Armstrong Park to City Park, so avoid the inevitable Mardi Gras traffic snarls and walk or ride around town. (Left your wheels at home? Blue Bikes<\/a> are stationed around the city for rent by the minute.)<\/p>\n Set your alarm: You don\u2019t want to miss the elaborately costumed North Side Skull and Bone Gang waking up the neighborhood, a 200-year-old tradition and counting. (Head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum<\/a> at 5am, which houses an amazing Mardi Gras Indian costume collection, to tag along.) Later, join up with the loosely organized Secret Society of St. Anne, whose members march on foot through the Marigny and French Quarter around 10am (you\u2019ll know them by their elaborate costumes and hula hoops).<\/p>\n Bring an empty tote bag to every parade (for the beads and throws you want to keep), cash (to buy drinks or food on the street or to tip flambeaux, who carry flaming torches during the major parades), water (stay hydrated) and hand wipes (just trust us on this one).<\/p>\n This is certainly a worthy bucket list experience if ever there was one. Picture yourself not in the street with throngs of other onlookers but on an actual Mardi Gras parade float, tossing beads and other goodies to the masses! Many krewes allow out-of-towners to ride along but the experience doesn’t come cheap, and slots fill up fast. Reach out to individual krewes<\/a>\u00a0well in advance for prices and availability.<\/p>\n If you didn’t plan far enough ahead to join a krewe and roll in a parade as a bead-throwing member, you can still purchase tickets to some big extravaganzas, like the Zulu Coronation Ball<\/a> (many are held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center). And don\u2019t be ashamed to wear comfy shoes with your tux or ball gown.<\/p>\n Beads are lovely, but scoring one of the collectible throws of Mardi Gras 2020 can make your trip truly memorable. What’s a throw? Basically any goody that’s thrown from a float: Think doubloons, cups, trinkets or toys. Aim to catch a decorated toilet brush from the Krewe of Tucks, for example, or a hand-glittered high-heeled shoe from Muses, or a doubloon, aka krewe coin, from Rex.<\/p>\n Yes, most of Mardi Gras is (surprisingly) family friendly, but there are some suggestive-slanting spectacles on offer, too, particularly on Bourbon Street. The Bourbon Street Awards<\/a> celebrate some of Carnival\u2019s most outrageous drag and leather costumes with cash prizes, while the Greasing of the Poles<\/a> is exactly what it sounds like, proving imagination is never in short supply during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.<\/p>\nWalk or bike if you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nGet up early on Mardi Gras day (really early)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nPack a bug out bag<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Ride on a float<\/h1>\n
Splurge on a Mardi Gras Ball<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Catch as many coveted throws as you can<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nEmbrace the risqu\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Orbitz,](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/OrbitzApp.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"