Mardi gras when does it begin

Other lasting customs include throwing beads and other trinkets, wearing masks, decorating floats and eating King Cake. Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is a legal holiday. However, elaborate carnival festivities draw crowds in other parts of the United States during the Mardi Gras season as well, including Alabama and Mississippi. Each region has its own events and traditions. Across the globe, pre-Lenten festivals continue to take place in many countries with significant Roman Catholic populations.

But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament of the Bible, the event is said to have occurred three days after Jesus was crucified by the Romans and died in roughly 30 A. Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China.

In , Chinese New Year will begin on February 1. Tied to the Chinese lunar calendar, the holiday was traditionally a time to honor household and heavenly deities as well as ancestors. It was also a time to bring family Mardi Gras and Carnival are the same celebration. Presidents' Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents' Day will occur on Monday, February These laid-back districts east of the French Quarter will offer a more off-the-beaten-path Mardi Gras experience , but the action of Bourbon Street is still close enough to access without having to drive.

Regardless of where you choose to rest your head during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the chances that a colorful parade will pass through the neighborhood during your visit are strong.

Some of our favorite New Orleans hotels —from reliable standbys to exciting new spots that opened in —include:. Krewes are the organizations responsible for planning and executing Mardi Gras parades and masquerade balls. In keeping with the allure of original Carnival traditions, several krewes do not reveal the theme of their parades until the night of the events.

The Rex Organization, one of the oldest Mardi Gras krewes in New Orleans, established purple, gold, and green as the official Mardi Gras colors as far back as The three shades are said to symbolize justice, faith, and power, respectively. Mardi Gras throws have been a New Orleans tradition for more than years and include everything from purses to cups, toiletries, beads, and doubloons , the colorful metal medallions designed with krewe emblems that adorn the signature bead necklaces customized by each Mardi Gras krewe.

This article originally appeared online in July ; it was updated on November 20, , and again on October 8, , to include current information. Sign up for the Daily Wander newsletter for expert travel inspiration and tips. Read our privacy policy. AFAR Advisor. Beaches International Beaches Islands U. Beaches Water Sports. Cities We Love. Holiday Travel. Road Trips. Travel for Good. Photo Essays. That's why we call it the "Greatest Free Show on Earth! This is the weekend when Bacchus and Endymion , two of the biggest parades of the season, roll down the streets of New Orleans.

The streets are packed all day Saturday and Sunday with parade watchers. Orpheus , another big parade, rolls on that Monday night, and the Zulu Lundi Gras festival goes on all day.

On Fat Tuesday, walking around the French Quarter and seeing all of the costumes and masks is a unique and thrilling experience. The parades roll in light rain. The officials will only postpone if the weather is predicted to be severe.

By all means, yes! Contrary to public perception, Mardi Gras is a family celebration. Those of us who grew up in New Orleans feel guilty once our children have grown up and we continue going to every parade, because we used to use "taking the children" as our excuse! Bring big bags even large garbage bags! Throws often include toys, stuffed animals, beads and more. The only place you should avoid with kids is the French Quarter where no full-size parades pass anyway. We recommend seeing the parades when they begin on St.

Charles Avenue near Napoleon, since parades can last until 11 p. The Garden District portion of St. Charles is a family area where you will see many families staking out their parade watching position, having picnics, playing ball, and having fun under the beautiful oak trees.

You don't have to worry about the streetcars, as they stop running in this area during Mardi Gras. You may also want to consider taking your kids to the parades in the suburban areas like Metairie, which is only 10 minutes away from New Orleans. Kids love it! Driving your own car and finding parking spots will be difficult. Red Cross volunteers, in partnership with New Orleans first responders, will be providing basic first aid in some of the most populated areas along the parade routes.

They are trained in CPR and first aid and will assist the ill and injured at each of their stations positioned along the parade routes. First aid stations will be available on the following corners along St. Charles Avenue during many of our larger parades the last two weeks of Mardi Gras season:. The Mardi Gras day routes are not published anywhere, but they happen in and around their inner city neighborhoods.

Some sources say that you will see the Creole Wild West tribe at the corner of LaSalle and 2nd Streets sometime between 9 a. Other tribes meet at the corner of Claiborne and Orleans following the Zulu parade.

Joseph's Day. Their festivities begin at Noon in A. For the Indian Sunday parade route, visit our Super Sunday page.