If you want to be right in the thick of the Bourbon Street nightlife scene, look no further than the Royal Sonesta. The hotel has a wrought-iron balcony that wraps around the corner of the seven-story building—a perfect spot for watching the revelry below. Don’t miss the Sonesta’s annual Greasing of the Poles competition on the Friday before Mardi Gras. When not partying, enjoy seafood at Desire Oyster Bar, an indulgent meal at Restaurant R’evolution or a show at the Jazz Playhouse.
The holiday celebrations don’t stop after New Year’s Day in New Orleans, because just five days later a whole new party begins. While the rest of the country pledges moderation, New Orleanians get to enjoy several more weeks of indulgence and revelry. Starting January 6 each year, Carnival season begins. It culminates with the celebration of Mardi Gras, and the festivities draw more than a million visitors annually.
Though Carnival is celebrated differently around the world, few celebrations rival Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Carnival traditions in New Orleans—elegant balls, colorful parades, king cake, costumes—rival those of any other holiday. Houses are decked out in purple, green and gold, and those same colors become the de rigueur fashion statement for any occasion.
Mardi Gras is a celebration that’s open to all—it’s even family-friendly. Here’s everything to know about Mardi Gras, including where to stay, what to eat and can’t-miss Mardi Gras events.
What is Mardi Gras?
While Mardi Gras is no doubt one giant party, its roots trace back to New Orleans’ French Catholic heritage. Blending Pagan and Christian customs, Mardi Gras symbolizes indulgence before the austerity of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
The term “Mardi Gras” is commonly used to refer to the entire Carnival season, but Mardi Gras (a.k.a. “Fat Tuesday”) is actually just a one day, pre-Lent party.
When is Mardi Gras?
Carnival season kicks off on January 6—also known as Kings’ Day, Epiphany and Twelfth Night—and runs through Mardi Gras, which is the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras falls on a different Tuesday each year based on Easter’s date, which determines the date of Ash Wednesday. This year, Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Mardi Gras parades
Mardi Gras parades are the highlight of the season. Staged by “krewes”—Carnival organizations—these parades range from small, costumed walking groups to a rolling party of colorful, over-the-top floats interspersed with marching bands and dance troupes. Each krewe names their own mock “royalty,” whether a local figure or, in the case of some bigger krewes, a national celebrity. Walkers and riders throw beads, doubloons, cups, specialty throws and more (keep an eye out for sustainable/reusable throws that are slowly replacing plastic beads). Parades roll throughout the season, but primarily during the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras.
Parade highlights include:
- The Phunny Phorty Phellows (January 6): A tiny krewe that rides a streetcar down St. Charles Avenue to mark the start of the season
- Krewe du Vieux (January 31): A highly irreverent French Quarter walking parade known for its satirical floats (not family-friendly!)
- Muses (February 12): The all-female krewe whose signature throw is a decorated high-heeled shoe
- Barkus (February 8): A parade for costumed dogs and their people
- Bacchus (February 15): The first “superkrewe,” featuring a celebrity monarch and mega-floats like the Bacchagator, Bacchasaurus and Baccha-Whoppa
Of course there are many, many more parades, each with their own style, theme, traditions and throws. These grand processions feature elaborate, hand-built floats pulled by tractors. Most parades roll through Uptown along Napoleon and St. Charles Avenues before turning onto Canal Street. Notable exceptions include Endymion, which begins in Mid-City, and suburban parades in Metairie and the West Bank.
To get the full experience on Mardi Gras Day, you can get up in the early morning hours to catch the Mardi Gras Indians, the Jefferson City Buzzards Marching Krewe or Pete Fountain’s Half-Fast Walking Krewe. Next, the legendary Rex—King of Carnival—and Zulu krewes take center stage. Smaller walking krewes like the Society of Saint Anne in the French Quarter are always guaranteed to feature amazing costumes.
Mardi Gras costumes
Mardi Gras day is the time to don your best costume. You’ll see everything, from popular characters to elaborate, bedazzled get-ups to costumes that comment on the politics of the day as you walk the streets on Fat Tuesday. There’s no rule against dressing up on other days, however—you’ll often see parade-goers decked out in wigs, glitter and colorful attire any time during the season. Shops like Miss Claudia’s Vintage, Uptown Costume and Funky Monkey are go-to spots for Mardi Gras costumes. If you’re not feeling creative, just throw on some purple, green and gold—the traditional colors of Mardi Gras.
When does Mardi Gras end?
As midnight strikes, the NOPD sweeps Bourbon Street, symbolically marking the end of Mardi Gras. If you pace yourself, you can make it to the final minutes of this joyous marathon of culture and camaraderie. Then, finally, you can get back to those New Year’s resolutions.
