With Mardi Gras quickly approaching, Louisianians will soon be at parades scrambling for beads, fighting strangers for cups and shouting, “Throw me something, mister!”
Fan favorites include the Muses, Bacchus, NOMTOC and Endymion parades, all of which roll prior to Fat Tuesday. However, on Mardi Gras day, the krewes of Zulu and Rex as well as truck parades will be held.
This year, Mardi Gras is Feb. 28, with the University break beginning Feb. 27 and ending March 1.
If you head to the Crescent City for this year’s parades, remember that they can often be accompanied by danger, and it is vital that each and every parade-goer remains safe. The Daily Reveille lists parade safety tips that everyone should abide by.
Plan your transportation
If you’re driving in for the day, remember that many streets and areas of the city are shut down hours before the parades begin. Navigating the barricades and closed roads can be a nightmare, so look into alternative transportation like buses, streetcars, walking or carpooling.
Watch out for parking tickets and tows
Be sure not to double-park, block driveways, park on medians, in front of water hydrants, too far from the curb or on the parade route. You will be ticketed or even towed, leaving you with a hefty fine.
Bathrooms
Use the bathroom before heading to the parade route. If not, you will be stuck waiting in a long line for a dirty port-a-potty instead of catching beads.
Arrive early
Make sure to find a good spot on the route in advance. But if you get there late, don’t move unoccupied chairs; just because they’re empty doesn’t mean they’re unclaimed.
Walk in pairs
Always have a buddy. There are thousands of people walking the streets during Mardi Gras, and one can never be too careful. Be sure to share your location with your friends and send a picture of the street you’re standing on, just in case you get lost or separated.
Stand behind the barricades
They may seem annoying, but they’re only there to protect you. Try to stay behind them at all times. The floats may not seem like they’re moving very fast, but they pose real danger.
Watch out for the marching bands and dancers
Try to stay as far back from them as possible. They’ve worked hard preparing for their performance and the least we can do is respect their space.
The people walking with them can be very aggressive when it comes to making sure that parade-goers are not in the way, so before they have to push or yell at you, just back up.
Eat
Everyone is so busy having fun and drinking, that they forget to eat. Remember to eat a filling meal before the funbegins, or you might regret it later on in the evening.
Foods rich in amino acids and potassium, like fruits and vegetables, are a nice option, but one can never go wrong with carbs.
Know your limits
With that being said, many parade-goers will be drinking, so make sure that you know when enough is enough. Always be conscientious and watch your drink. Drink a bottle of water between alcoholic drinks. Have fun, but know your limits.