Mardi Gras - New Orleans Traditions and Things to Do

In the face of tragedy a city strives to moves forward with rebuilding on many years of history, and continuing the 300 year tradition of Mardi Gras, and New Orleanians are known for many traditions, but by far Mardi Gras is one of the most popular as it dates back to 1699 coming from the French heritage it is so famous for. Explorers celebrated this French holiday right on the banks of the Mississippi River, and the people of New Orleans have added to the celebration every year since its beginning. Parades and balls are sponsored by organizations, and they have the ability to draw crowds in from all over the world just to get a taste of the lavish entertainment the locals have come to know so well. 

History and facts

From 1835 to 1837, New Orleans experienced the taste of the first Mardi Gras float, and then not until 1856 did the locals get to see a convoy of floats parading down the main thoroughfare, ending with a ball that hosted 3,000 guests. Mardi Gras is always celebrated 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date can fall between February 3rd and March 9th, depending on the Lunar calendar, used by the Catholic church to determine the date of Easter. The actual season of Mardi Gras begins on January 6th and continues through to “Fat Tuesday” or more commonly known as Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday. 

The event is started with the Zulu Parade with the king and queen of the organization arriving on a Mississippi river boat. This officially kicks off the Lundi Gras riverside outdoor festival. Over the course of about ten days New Orleans parades can be enjoyed by everyone. The parade begins on the uptown route starting at Napoleon Avenue to St. Charles and ending at Canal Street. Along with the parades are nonstop festivities and the traditional throwing of the beads. Cajun and Creole food can be found simply by following the tantalizing wafts drifting through the air.