Mardi Gras is a carnival celebration of parades filled with bands, floats and fun. With carnival season coming to an end, there are still a few rules that tourists and first time paraders should follow to have a successful Fat Tuesday.
1. Do track the parades
There are more than 70 parades in Louisiana this carnival season, and multiple apps and websites list the dates and routes of parades. The official New Orleans WDSU parade tracker app will be your best friend in the month of February.
2. Don’t cross in between the bands/floats
To a New Orleans native, crossing in between the bands and floats is considered rude and dangerous.
Bands from all around the state are asked to participate in the parades; they practice months in advance, so please do not run through their performances. The floats continue to stop and go, so running through the floats is a quick way to get injured and ruin your Mardi Gras.
3. Do check the weather
Rain or shine, a parade will be taking place. Weather conditions rarely prompt parade cancellations.
In Louisiana, the weather can change at a moment’s notice. The best way to prepare is to check the weather the night before. Be prepared to bring a jacket, poncho or sunscreen.
4. Don’t show up without a costume/accessories
Mardi Gras is a place where you can dress however, free of judgment.
A festive costume is always a great way to look forward to Fat Tuesday. Wigs, glitter, boas and funny costumes will fill New Orleans, especially on Mardi Gras day. However, if you don’t feel like going all out, wearing purple, green and gold is a great alternative.
5. Do plan a meeting spot
Once you get to your designated parade spot for the day, decide a meeting spot for you and your family and/or friends.
Phones die and people get lost. Even if your phone doesn’t die, you may still have trouble having phone calls since the streets get loud and busy. If a meeting spot is planned ahead of time, you will know where your missing person is.
6. Don’t throw your beads away
Once the parade ends and you have more beads than you can take home, do not put them in the trash.
There is usually a float at the end of the parade that allows you to throw the beads back on, and they are taken to be recycled by local organizations.
For example, The Arc of Greater New Orleans has been recycling beads for over 30 years. It employs people with developmental disabilities and recycles beads for the next year.
7. Do learn how to pronounce New Orleans
This tip may not be as important as the others, but it’s still good to know so you don’t make locals cringe.
The correct pronunciation is New Or-lens, definitely not New Or-LEENs.
8. Don’t take a child’s beads
Taking a child’s toy is just mean. When people on the float throw a toy or bead directly to a child, do not reach in front of them to steal it.
There are more floats coming and more beads to catch. If you accidentally snag it, handing the catch to the child is a kind gesture.
You do not want to be “that guy” at the parade.
9. Do bring cash
It’s likely that you will lose or drop something at Mardi Gras, so be wise about what you bring.
Taking cash is the easiest method of purchasing items. Paying vendors and restaurants with cash is the quickest way for you to get out of there and back to the parade.
10. Don’t move people’s stuff
Finally, don’t touch people’s stuff.
Locals get out on the parade routes as early as 4 a.m. to get the best spot. So, don’t move or steal the stuff from the people who’ve camped out all day, and don’t take their spot.
After following these tips, you are guaranteed to have an amazing Mardi Gras, and laissez les bons temps rouler!
