The vibes are high, beads are flying, and you’re grooving to the jazzy tunes you’ll find in New Orleans. The smell of beignets punctures the air, glitter is everywhere and golden doubloons are flying. It’s Mardi Gras, the biggest, wildest, and most colorful party!
But what exactly is Mardi Gras, and what can a first-timer expect? It’s more than just one day of partying – it’s a whole season of parades, traditions, and celebrations with plenty of history. You need to know when to go, where to stand and what to wear, so we’ve written this crash course on all things Mardi Gras. Read on and get ready!
1. What is Mardi Gras?
Let’s start with the basics. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” . Many cultures celebrate the pre-Lent period with events, parties and feasting. The tradition dates back to medieval Europe but took root in the U.S. when French settlers brought it to Louisiana in 1699.
Today, New Orleans hosts the most famous Mardi Gras celebration, featuring extravagant parades led by krewes (social clubs) that toss beads, coins, and even coconuts to massive crowds in the lead up to Fat Tuesday
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2. Where is Mardi Gras celebrated?
Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world in many forms. From Australia to Brazil to Venice, these famous pre-Lent celebrations all have different traditions – but what connects them is they are a celebration of life.
- Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana – the most famous and extravagant festivities with parades, beads, costumes and music.
- Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – a spectacular dance-filled celebration featuring samba parades, elaborate floats, and glittering costumes
- Carnevale in Venice, Italy – known for ornate masks, grand masquerade balls, and elegant gondola parades along the canals.
- Mardi Gras in Sydney, Australia – vibrant and colorful LGBTQ+ pride celebration, featuring the world-famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
- Carnival in the Caribbean – A mix of African, European, and island influences, with music, dancing, and street parades in Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Haiti.
3. When is Mardi Gras (and how long does it last) in 2026?
The date changes each year as Mardi Gras falls on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. In 2026, Mardi Gras officially falls on February 17, but festivities begin on January 6 (Epiphany) and ramp up with weeks of parades and parties, peaking in the final days before Fat Tuesday.
4. When to Visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2026?
You want to plan ahead to visit for the event in 2026. Hotels and accommodation will book out well in advance, especially if you want to be there on the biggest days (February 13-17 in 2026). For a less crowded experience, arrive earlier in February to enjoy the buildup!
Peak celebration weeks in New Orleans (2026 dates)
- February 6-8, 2026 (weekend before last) – The fun ramps up with major parades rolling through Uptown and the French Quarter.
- February 13-17, 2026 (final weekend and Mardi Gras day) – These are the busiest, wildest days – partying is at its peak.
Key events in New Orleans (2026 dates)
- Endymion Parade (Saturday, Feb 14, 2026) – A stunning, celebrity-studded night parade.
- Bacchus Parade (Sunday, Feb 15, 2026) – One of the biggest krewes, known for huge floats and celebrity royalty.
- Zulu & Rex Parades (Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026 – Mardi Gras Day!) – The grand finale!
5. Mardi Gras parades & traditions in New Orleans
In New Orleans the main celebrations are led by krewes (social clubs) who organize the elaborate floats, throwing beads, doubloons (coins), and even coconuts to the crowd. To catch beads, position yourself near floats, make eye contact with riders, and wave your hands!
Some of the most iconic parades include Endymion, Bacchus, and Zulu. Each krewe has its own theme, and parade-goers often dress in costumes or wear masks.
Another beloved tradition in New Orleans is the King Cake. This sweet pastry has a tiny baby figurine inside, and whoever finds it must host next year’s party!
6. What to wear to Mardi Gras?
Think bold, colorful, and fun! The official colors in New Orleans are purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power) – so expect to see plenty of people kitted out in these tones.
Besides color, people will dress up and costumes are highly encouraged. The more extravagant the better, so get creative with glitter, feathers, sequins, and beads. Some revelers go all out with elaborate outfits, while others keep it simple – you can play with some fun accessories like masks and fancy hats.
You must, must, must wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking and standing for hours during parades. Finally, don’t forget to layer. New Orleans weather can be unpredictable so you may need a light jacket in the morning or late evening.
7. Final tips for first-timers
For first-timers, here are some essential tips to help you enjoy the madness:
- Arrive early to secure a good spot for parades, especially for popular ones like Endymion and Bacchus.
- Wear comfortable shoes and pack a layer for unpredictable weather.
- Wear sunscreen during the day!
- Bring a small bag or backpack for essentials, and take care with any valuables in crowded areas.
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself with food and drinks – it’s a marathon, not a race!
- Keep your arms high to catch beads and doubloons, and watch out for flying coconuts.
- Cash is king – it’s good to have small notes on you for food and drink.
Have you visited New Orleans before or will you go in 2026? Leave us a comment….