2024 Mardi Gras In New Orleans: All You Need To Know

From the best parade-watching spots to the tastiest bites, get ready to dive into the spirit of Mardi Gras and make your visit truly magical. Put on your sparkliest mask and let us guide you through the ultimate carnival experience!

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2024 Mardi Gras, New Orleans: All You Need To Know

What is the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans?

Mardi Gras large mask — Photo Credit: Suzanne C. Grim / Shutterstock.com

Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday” is a massive celebration, all about colorful parades, wild costumes, and fantastic jazz music. You’ll catch beads, eat delicious Creole food, and join the city’s infectious lively spirit. It’s a must-experience event full of fun and flavor!

Mardi Gras Colors: purple, green, and gold

Other Names For Mardi Gras: Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday

Where To Stay During Mardi Gras: The 5 Best Hotels In New Orleans, Louisiana

What months are Mardi Gras in New Orleans?

Mardi Gras in New Orleans typically falls in February or early March. The exact date varies each year because it’s determined by the Easter calendar since Mardi Gras is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.

Mardi Gras Celebrations 2024: January 6 — February 13

Mardi Gras Day 2024: February 13

Where is the Mardi Gras in New Orleans?

balconies in New Orleans decorated for Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras in New Orleans takes place throughout the city, but the epicenter of the celebrations is primarily in the French Quarter and along St. Charles Avenue.

Also Read: The Best Guide To French Quarter New Orleans

How do you celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans?

The best way to celebrate Mardi Gras season is to participate in a fun Mardi Gras parade. Find a good spot along St. Charles Avenue or in the French Quarter to get your share of special purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras beads and trinkets.

Grab a mask and a costume and go all out to fit in with the vibrant crowd. Read about Mardi Gras Krewes here.

Don’t miss the King Cake tradition. Inside this sweet treat is a hidden trinket or figurine. If you find it in your slice, you’re crowned the King or Queen of the party.

You can also visit the Mardi Gras World located next to the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. It’s a place where floats are made for Mardi Gras parades. Take a tour and learn more about the history of this tradition.

View the full Mardi Gras 2024 schedule here.

Best Way To Celebrate: Mardi Gras parades

Best Parade-Watching Street Spots: Polymnia & St. Charles, Lee Circle, St. Charles Ave, Canal Street

Mardi Gras Traditions: King Cake, Mardi Gras Krewes, Mardi Gras masks and costumes, Mardi Gras beads and throws, Mardi Gras floats, Mardi Gras colors

Traditional Mardi Gras Food: Mardi Gras King Cake, Jambalaya, Shrimp Po’ Boys, Muffuletta Sandwich, Good New Orleans Creole Gumbo

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