Mardi Gras 2025: The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans' Carnival Celebration
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Experience the magic of Mardi Gras in New Orleans with our guide to parades, traditions, and festivities.
Mardi Gras: New Orleans' Greatest Celebration
Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday," is the culminating day of the Carnival season celebrated most famously in New Orleans, Louisiana. This vibrant festival combines French, Spanish, and African influences into a uniquely American celebration.
Mardi Gras 2025 Dates
Understanding the Season
Carnival begins on Epiphany (January 6) and builds to a crescendo on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. The indulgence of Mardi Gras precedes the Lenten season of fasting.
The Krewes and Parades
Parading organizations called "krewes" host the famous parades:
Major Krewes
Traditions and Symbols
The Throws
Parade riders toss treasures to crowds:
Purple, Gold, and Green
The official colors represent:
King Cake
A sweet pastry containing a tiny plastic baby. Whoever finds the baby hosts the next party!
Planning Your Mardi Gras Calendar
Visitor Tips
Mardi Gras celebrates life, community, and the joy of letting the good times roll!
