For anyone new to Louisiana or unfamiliar with Mardi Gras in New Orleans, these are some tips for survival at one of the world’s biggest parties.
Major Parades
Endymion — Feb. 21, 4:15 p.m. This route begins in City Park and ends at the Superdome. The Grand Marshal is LeAnn Rimes.
Bacchus — Feb. 22, 5 p.m. The route starts on the corner of Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas Streets, and continues down St. Charles Ave. The Grand Marshall this year is Elijah Wood.
Orpheus — Feb.23 (Lundi Gras) 5:45 p.m. The parade begins on Napoleon Avenue and makes its way along St. Charles Ave. through the Garden District, passing through Lee Circle and on to Canal Street. The parade ends at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Celebrities in this parade include Domanic Monaghan (“Lord of the Rings”), country singer Brad Paisley and fashion designer Nicole Miller.   
Zulu and Rex — Feb. 25 (Mardi Gras) Zulu rolls at 8:30 a.m. from Claiborne and Jackson Avenues, and then up to St. Charles Ave. Rex begins directly after at 10 a.m. from Napoleon Ave. and S. Claiborne and continues down St. Charles Ave. all the way to Canal St.
Throws
Everyone is familiar with the plastic beads associated with Mardi Gras, but the “nicer” throws are what really excite the crowd. These include underwear, stuffed animals, cups, doubloons and spears. Doubloons are the coin-like throws that depict the krewe and the year. Some are or will be collector’s items.
People actually do fight over these items, even sweet-tempered old ladies. Catching throws is about being aggressive, but not mean, especially to children.
General Advice
Hotels are impossible to come by at this late of a date. Try and carpool to reduce the number of cars because traffic in New Orleans is horrendous and parking is expensive.
Get to New Orleans early — parking and spots on the parade route depend on it. People camp out for days to get their front row spots on the parade routes.
Be aware that, although Mardi Gras is all about being crazy, outside of the French Quarter such behavior is unacceptable. Most parades start while it is still daylight, so there are many families that bring their children.
The New Orleans Police Department has some of the most overworked people this time of year. They will not think twice about hauling you to jail for underage drinking, offensive public drunkenness, urinating in public or having an open container, such as a beer bottle, outside of a bar.
Wear clothes you are not afraid to have dirtied. Also wear comfortable shoes with backs, because you never know what is on the street, especially in the French Quarter.
Flashing your chest or privates most likely will land you on the Internet or on a “Girls Gone Wild” episode. Do not blame your drunkenness or ignorance of the millions of cameras around you. If you are over the age of 18 and in public, there is little legal action you can take.
Always know where the public bathrooms are, and chances are you may have to pay for them. Again, urinating in public carries a hefty fine and a night in jail. Do not try to use a restaurant’s bathroom unless you are eating there.
Have a designated driver. It is a stupid reminder, but at 4 a.m., make sure someone is sober enough to find the car and operate it successfully. Driving under the influence of alcohol also carries a hefty fine and social stigma.
Drink, eat and revel in the merriment. Dress in costume on Mardi Gras day and go all out. This holiday is about fun, not debauchery. Have fun, but be aware of the legal ramifications of overindulgence.