Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the biggest celebrations with people coming from all over the world to visit. With the event day set on March 4th, 2025, a new chapter in history will begin celebrating the culture of the region with joy and excitement. So we have prepared an invaluable Mardi Gras guide for first time visitors on how to make the most of spending a weekend under the sun.

Understanding Mardi Gras: Origins and Traditions

Also known as ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French, Mardi Gras has its origins as a descendant of ancient Roman festivals like Saturnalia and Lupercalia which were celebrated to honour spring and fertility. The incorporation of pagan traditions into the early pre-Lenten season eventually evolved into what is now known as Carnival celebrations, as Christianity spread. Mardi Gras is the last day of the Christian feasting season of Carnival, and begins 40 days before Easter fasting is celebrated. The term “Fat Tuesday” developed from the tradition of eating gourmet foods and having a party before Lent.

In America, Mardi Gras traditions debuted in the early 18th century in New Orleans. The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration took place in 1703 when the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile, founded by Jean-Baptiste le Moyne de Bienville, hosted a grand ball, followed by a Mardi Gras Ball and masquerade party for the local people. As the years went by, celebrations morphed into processions with masked balls, street dance parties and extravagant parades mounted by “krewes”, which are social clubs. Almost all of the krewes have a different back story for how it came into play in regard to Mardi Gras, adding to the history of the event and the holiday.

Planning Your Visit: Key Dates and Events

Mardi Gras season officially begins on January 6th, also known as Twelfth Night, and continues until Fat Tuesday. This year in 2025, Fat Tuesday falls on the 4th of March. The weeks prior to this date include parades, balls and other associated Best Festivals and Events in USA. The biggest parades often come in the last two weeks, building up to the days directly to Mardi Gras.

Endymion, Bacchus, or Orpheus—all top krewes host some of the most anticipated parades. For example, the Endymion parade is set to roll on Saturday, March 1 in 2025; followed by Bacchus on Sunday, March 2 and Orpheus on Monday, March 3. Every parade features elaborate floats, live bands and “throw” items like beads, doubloons, and other trinkets which are tossed to the spectators.

Where to Watch: Parade Routes and Viewing Options

In New Orleans, the parade follows a route along popular streets such as St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. Each of these locations provide a lot of space for participants and are well suited for any spectators wanting to enjoy the Major Annual Events in USA. Here are some ways for you to watch it in full.

Join the Street Game: Admission is free, and seating is not provided. However, you can join the crowds along the parade route with other members of the public. To secure the best viewing spot, arrive early, especially for the more popular parades.

Grandstands: Along the stretches of these parade routes, some organisations set up temporary, ticketed grandstands over reserved seating. These can be a great option for those looking for a comfortable and guaranteed viewing spot.

Balcony Access: Many properties in the French Quarter offer balcony access for a fee, and provide amazing visuals above all the crowd. These places also offer food and beverages.

Things to Do in New Orleans During Mardi Gras 2025

Explore the French Quarter

Wander around the historic French Quarter that highlights the soul of New Orleans with its ghost tours, nightlife and unique architecture. It has a lively scene and is the home to Bourbon Street famous for music, street shows.

Visit Mardi Gras World

Tour this warehouse for a behind-the-scenes view of the artistry involved in designing Mardi Gras Floats. You will get to know the talent and ingenuity that are displayed at this festival.

Savor Local Cuisine

Explore the culinary treasures of New Orleans, from gumbo and jambalaya to po’ boys and crawfish étouffée.

Enjoy Live Music

Head to Frenchmen Street to get a taste of the city’s legendary music scene. Jazz, blues and brass bands will make you feel you are part of the long musical history of New Orleans.

Attend a Masquerade Ball

If you are lucky enough to get an invite, visit one of the private Krewe balls for first hand experience of the traditional Mardi Gras 2025.

Second Line Parade Experience

Then there are the spirited second-line parades, which have brass bands and people dancing through the streets.

Take a Riverboat Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River aboard the Steamboat Natchez. For a refreshing escape from busy streets, various cruises offer live jazz music and serve traditional Creole cuisine.

Visit Jackson Square

This historic French Quarter square is a great spot for people-watching, with artists, performers, and unique shops surrounding the St. Louis Cathedral. It’s a great place to take pictures and get some souvenirs.

Explore the Garden District

It is one of the other best walking tours with the charming oak-lined streets, beautiful mansions and gigantic gardens. This is one of the most relaxed Spring Break Getaways in US.

Shop at Local Markets

Shop for special gifts, homemade items, and New Orleans-themed souvenirs at the French Market. The market includes a number of local food vendors, so you can pause for a snack while exploring the stalls.

Join a Live Jazz Show

New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and you can hear live music everywhere. Whether it’s an energetic brass band or a lively swing jazz ensemble, the city is always filled with music. You can catch top jazz acts at famous venues like Preservation Hall and Tipitina’s.

Discover Voodoo History

Discover the mystical side of the city at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and also be a part of one of the themed voodoo walking tours.

Have Mardi-Gras Inspired Cocktails

Try delicious festive drinks like a Hurricane or Sazerac at the legendary Pat O’Brien’s or Carousel Bar & Lounge.

Go on a Ghost Tour

Take a Haunted History Ghost Tour in New Orleans. Its ghost stories and hauntings are what make the city an exciting place.

National WWII Museum

It is one of the best WWII Museums with interactive exhibits and fun Mardi Gras history events.

Explore City Park

Experience City Park, featuring sites such as the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Storyland and the antique carousel. This park has a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Like all state parks, it focuses on wildlife and the environment, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Take a Swamp Tour

Venture beyond the city for a tour of the Louisiana bayous to explore wildlife like alligators, turtles and a variety of birds.

Take a Trip to Harrah’s Casino

Feeling lucky? Harrah’s New Orleans Casino provides guests with a host of gaming options, entertainment and dining choices.

Attend a Local Arts Festival

Make sure to search for arts and crafts festivals or markets while you are there. It is a time when local artists show off their products and also sell them on the streets in various street art shows.

Shoot Mardi Gras Street Acts

During Mardi Gras, you will find street performers everywhere. You may observe people singing or flash mobs near Bourbon Street and Jackson Square as well.

How to Find Accommodation During Mardi Gras in New Orleans

• Search for accommodations a few months before your date of departure.
• Being close to the parade routes (Uptown or the Central Business District) will make it easier for you to join in on the fun. The French Quarter is another popular place, but it is a bit expensive.
• You could stay in neighborhoods like Mid-City or the Marigny/Bywater areas, where you can get something that’s more affordable without straying too far from the action.
• Always book with trusted platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO or branded hotel chains to avoid inaccuracies and scammers.

Practical Tips for First-Time Attendees

• High traffic and road closures will make driving a challenge, so consider walking or taking public transportation to get along the parade route.
• Some attractions around this neighborhood are within walking distance, however the public transportation system is a convenient option for getting to other neighborhoods and areas near the town.
• Be careful in crowded places and take good care of your personal items. It is advised that you travel in groups, especially at late nights.
• Dress up in the spirit of the celebration, or just wear some purple, green and gold (symbolizing justice, faith and power).

Conclusion

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a special place where history and culture intersect with celebration. This guide will set you up for a fantastic experience at one of the USA’s most iconic festivals.