Velocity Agency’s Mardi Gras Guide

It’s that time of the year again. You might call it Mardi Gras or maybe carnival season, but no matter what you call it you know that it is one big party. For those not already in the know, Mardi Gras day is Fat Tuesday, which falls on the 28th of February this year. The day can change every year but a quick search of “when is Mardi Gras” will help you mark your calendar. Just let this Mardi Gras guide explain the rest!

If you grew up in the greater New Orleans area there is a good chance that you already have your favorite parades picked out and you know exactly where to go to see them. However, what if you are from out of town? The whole thing can seem overwhelming. First of all, don’t panic, Mardi Gras is all about having fun and if at any point you start to stress, you are probably doing something wrong.

Velocity Agency is all about marketing and advertising but today we are about helping you plan for the carnival with our Mardi Gras Guide. At the bottom of this post you will find a complete list of parades in the area but for now let’s just focus on some of the “big ones”.

The first thing you need to realize is outside of the French Quarter, most of Mardi Gras is family oriented. With that in mind I will try to keep my recommendations family friendly but I will leave some time for you to venture into the wildness of Bourbon Street.

There are some great parades in the beginning of the season. Ranging from Krewe du Vieux to Barkus, you can’t go wrong. However, if you are limited on vacation time we recommend starting the Wednesday before Mardi Gras. That Wednesday you will get the Krewe of Druids and the Mystic Krewe of Nyx. Nyx, is an all female parade that, despite only starting in 2012, has a large following and puts on an amazing parade every year. The signature throw of Nyx (yeah that’s a thing) is the hand decorated purse.

It’s fair to say that the inspiration for Nyx probably came in part from the Krewe of Muses. Muses, another all female parade, started in 2000. They roll yearly the Thursday before Mardi Gras. The parade’s highly sought after signature throw is a hand decorated shoe. Shoes are somewhat of a theme with this krewe. They are also known for throwing wristlets decorated with tiny shows, and their most famous float is a giant shoe. One the same night of Muses you can catch the Knights of Babylon and the Krewe of Chaos. The combination of the three makes for a great time out.

Okay, you’ve reached the Friday before Mardi Gras. You’ve seen a lot but there is still so much more to see. There are some solid krewes parading this night but if you want to see the “wild” side of Mardi Gras now might be your best chance. Head down to the French Quarter and be prepared to spend time in a SEA OF PEOPLE. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Hurray, you’ve made it to the Saturday before Mardi Gras. What a day! Most parades within New Orleans ride the same Uptown route. However, Endymion, one of the largest parades, rolls down its traditional Mid-City route arriving at the superdome. A lot of parade goers will set up on the route early in the morning and party with friends and family all throughout the day. It’s really some of the most fun you can have.

That Sunday you will have the chance to see the wonderful Krewe of Toth and a few other fun parades but don’t be fooled, Sunday is all about Bacchus. The super-krewe rolls with massive floats including the fan favorite “Kong.”

If you’re planning on going out on Mardi Gras day you might want to use the Monday before as rest but if you are like me you will not miss a chance to see the Krewes of Proteus and Orpheus parade down St. Charles that Lundi Gras evening. These may be the two most beautiful parades you will ever see. Fun fact: Lundi Gras is the day before Mardi Gras.

Congratulations! You made it all the way to the finish line, Mardi Gras day. Some people don’t leave their bed on this day but I don’t suggest you follow their lead. Instead, you need to go see Zulu, an amazing and wildly entertaining parade which is followed by Rex, the king of Mardi Gras. If at this point you are paraded-out there is a plan B. You could opt to head to the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans and walk with the Society of St. Anne. These colorful partiers, dress in elaborate and often handmade costumes. They meet in the morning and walk from the Bywater, through the French Quarter to Canal Street to pay tribute to Rex.

Well, there you have our Mardi Gras Guide. Feel free to submit a comment or question using the form at the bottom of this article. Have fun! Be Safe! Happy Mardi Gras!

 

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