Carnival | Mardi Gras New Orleans (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth it to go to New Orleans during Mardi Gras? ›

Is it worth going to Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras can be the ultimate party. Travelers who aren't into parties or crowds may want to visit New Orleans at other times of the year.

Who first said, "Laissez les bons temps rouler?" It suddenly occurred to us that we've never heard anyone discuss the origins of the phrase “Laissez les bons temps rouler” – “Let the good times roll!” Who said it first? Was it the explorer Iberville when he first stepped foot at Point du Mardi Gras in 1699?

Most visitors plan to arrive no later than the Saturday prior to Mardi Gras day and stay through Ash Wednesday. Check out our dates page to see when Fat Tuesday will fall through the next few years.

Mardi Gras draws the biggest crowds to New Orleans every year, which means the city's hotels get very expensive and often booked to full capacity. The streets are also packed during this festival, which makes sightseeing rather difficult.

Sometimes you can say “hi!” to a New Orleanian, and they'll give you “awrite!” even though you didn't specifically inquire about how they're doing (or “where dey at”). Similarly, you can express salutations to someone by simply nodding, smiling, and saying “Awrite!”

If you're traveling to New Orleans this weekend to experience Mardi Gras, expect to spend $2,600 per person for a flight, hotel, food, transportation and entertainment over the course of five days. If you're looking to splurge—luxury hotel, riding in a float, krewe parties—you can easily tack on an additional $5,000.

While Mardi Gras may be called the biggest free party in the world, it isn't always cheap. After you've purchased your flights to New Orleans, you're going to want to save as much money as you can to pay for those hurricane drinks and all that Mardi Gras paraphernalia.

Mardi Gras, like Christmas, is a whole season - not just one day. That being said, Fat Tuesday is the biggest day of celebration, and the date it falls on moves around. You'll find that Fat Tuesday can be any Tuesday between Feb. 3 and March 9.

Beads used on Mardi Gras (known as Shrove Tuesday in some regions) are purple, green, and gold, with these three colors containing the Christian symbolism of justice, faith, and power, respectively.

Historians believe the tradition of tossing beads dates back to the English Renaissance era, but was introduced in New Orleans when a carnival king threw fake gems and jewelry to his “loyal subjects”.

Do people still flash at Mardi Gras? ›

Thankfully, this does not occur everywhere in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but mostly just in the Bourbon Street area of the French Quarter. That's also an area known for its strip joints, where those interested in this sort of thing can see it year-round.

You may be lulled into a false sense of security during the festivities but the normal dangers of any large city still remain. It's worth remembering that with the huge influx of revelers, boozy street parties, and general mayhem, you'll need to be being extra alert when it comes to petty crimes like pickpocketing.

You'll see a lot of crazy costumes, kids with their families are everywhere, and both locals and visitors having a great time. Parade goers will sit on the ground, throw balls, play music, eat great food and watch the crowds walk by between parades.