🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 186 (from laksa035)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa186.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.afar.com/magazine/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mardi-gras-in-new-orleans\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.afar.com/magazine/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mardi-gras-in-new-orleans\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mardi-gras-in-new-orleans","crawl_time":1776272898,"first_indexed_time":1531238626,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,afar!www,\/magazine\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mardi-gras-in-new-orleans s443","src_root_hash":"6539528985958050386","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"When to Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans - AFAR","meta_descriptions":["Get the lowdown on Fat Tuesday festivities in New Orleans. Here’s what to know, from Mardi Gras dates to how New Orleans will celebrate."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Mardi Gras, which is always 47 days before Easter, is a little later in 2025.\nPhoto by Methanon\/Shutterstock\nNew Orleans is one of the few cities I’ve visited that really does feel singular. There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it—and during Mardi Gras, it’s all turned up to 11 and beyond. Some\n1 million visitors\ntake to the streets to participate in the city’s iconic Fat Tuesday parades and festivities. The annual celebration of excess and indulgence is observed everywhere from Rio de Janeiro to Venice, but New Orleans’s unique Mardi Gras customs make the city’s celebration particularly renowned in the United States and beyond.\nIf you’ve never been, it’s one of those weeks-of-a-lifetime. And even if you’re a veteran, it’ll keep surprising you. I’ve visited the city multiple times in recent years, for the\nJazz Fest in April\n, the Tales of the Cocktail\nconference\nin the summer, and more. But nothing compared to riding on a float with the Krewe of Orpheus during an\nAfar Mardi Gras Experience\n.\nThe Mardi Gras date always varies a little, and in 2025, it will fall on Tuesday,\nMarch 4, 2025\n. (In 2026, it’s much earlier, landing on February 17; in 2027, it’s even earlier, February 9.) Here’s everything you need to know about the Big Easy’s biggest party of the year.\nThe best places to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras\nThe Garden District is a great neighborhood to stay in during Mardi Gras: still central, but a bit quieter than the French Quarter.\nPhoto by Jade3234\/Shutterstock\nHotels naturally sell out fast during this popular time to visit New Orleans, so it’s never too early to start thinking about (or booking) your rooms for Mardi Gras. As of November 2024, there is still availability during the 2025 Mardi Gras season at places like the\nFour Seasons Hotel New Orleans\nand the\nVirgin Hotel\n.\nNeighborhoods\nLocation is everything if you’re visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras because parking is difficult, and you’ll want to walk if you’re planning to consume alcohol. To remain close to the parades Uptown, stay in the charming\nGarden District\nbordered by Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue. This tree-lined neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, top-notch restaurants, and grand dame mansions, and the French Quarter’s festivities are just a streetcar ride away. The\nPontchartrain Hotel\nhere has availability.\nFor a quieter—but still exciting—Mardi Gras experience, consider the Faubourg Marigny (commonly called “the Marigny”) and Bywater neighborhoods. These laid-back districts east of the French Quarter will offer a more\noff-the-beaten-path Mardi Gras experience\n(I loved the\ncity’s downriver delights\nhere)—but the action of Bourbon Street is still close enough to access without having to drive.\nHotels\nRegardless of where you choose to rest your head during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the chances that a colorful parade will pass through the neighborhood during your visit are strong. Some other of our favorite New Orleans hotels include:\nKimpton Hotel Fontenot, an IHG Hotel\n, Warehouse District\nHotel Saint Vincent\n,\nLower Garden District\nThe Chloe\n, Uptown\nHotel Peter & Paul\n, Marigny\nCrowds line St. Charles Avenue to catch some throws as a Mardi Gras parade rolls past\nPhoto by Suzanne C. Grim\/Shutterstock\nMardi Gras events not to miss\nBetween masquerade balls, parties, and parades, I didn’t have a spare minute when I experienced New Orleans’s Mardi Gras. You’ll be busy, but it’s worth it. You can sleep when you get home.\nEnjoy the parades\nYou’ll experience several parades at least; they snake through the city, dominating the streets for hours on end. Hundreds of people line the streets with arms outstretched, hoping to catch the throws and other goodies hurled from costumed float riders. It’s an electrifying experience whether you’re in the crowd or lucky enough to be on a float.\nWith a packed parade schedule—there are dozens to participate in—it may be hard to pick which ones to attend. Melissa Comardelle, chief concierge at the\nFour Seasons Hotel New Orleans\nand New Orleans native, recommends the all-female\nKrewe of Muses\nparade. “The prized catch is a decorated shoe,” Comardelle said. “I haven’t caught one yet, but I’m working on it.”\nIn 2025,\nMardi Gras parades\nkick off on January 6 with displays from Société Des Champs Elysée and Krewe of Joan of Arc among others and run all the way up to Mardi Gras week. These earlier parades are a good way to get a feel for the festival if you’re in town earlier (or don’t want to join the crowds for the full event).\nBe the belle of the ball\nBalls are another integral part of the Mardi Gras experience. Many are private, invite-only affairs (such as the Krewe of Lafitte’s\nbash\nat the Pensacola Bay Center) but there are some ticketed events. The\n“evening of opulence and purpose”\non February 22, from the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is one such example. Big indoor events can be really fun, especially if the weather is inclement.\nSample some king cake\nIt’s not hard to spot—a large\noval pastry (with a long history)\ntopped with icing and often decorated in the traditional purple, green, and yellow—but it’s hard to stop eating. King cake is a Mardi Gras must;\nLevee Baking Co.\nand\nGracious Bakery\nare two places to try it.\nVisit a Mardi Gras exhibition\nThe\nPresbytère\nis home to a wide-ranging collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia, while\nMardi Gras World\nis open daily and features a huge “float den” where you can see artists working on props.\nKeep an eye out for the Mardi Gras Indians\nThese costumed tribes, also known as\nBlack Masking Indians\n, spend months crafting their dazzling, sequined outfits as part of a tradition that goes back centuries. They parade several times during the season. “We go onto the streets of New Orleans and we play war games,” Chief Shaka Zulu of the Golden Feather Hunters tribe told Afar. It’s something to behold.\nTiming your trip: the best dates to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras\nMardi Gras day falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. However, Carnival celebrations always begin on January 6, a date referred to in the Christian calendar as the Twelfth Night because it marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (and hence the holiday season). Every year, Carnival season kicks off on this date at sundown and is followed by a weeks-long schedule of lively parades and street parties.\nCelebrations usually ramp up later, especially in the two weeks before Fat Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, this tends to be the busiest time to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. To be honest, the city is fun on any given weekend of the year. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can feel festive there earlier in the season.\nWhat is Mardi Gras?\nMardi Gras—also known as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Carnival—is a debaucherous prelude to Lent, a six-week-long religious fast observed before Easter. The legacy of Mardi Gras can be traced to European Carnival celebrations during the 17th and 18th centuries.\nThe\nholiday’s connection to New Orleans\ndates back to 1699, when explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived in what is now Louisiana and declared a plot of land “Pointe du Mardi Gras” upon realizing it was the eve of the holiday.\nIn 1718, the city of New Orleans was established near that very spot, and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras parades and masquerade balls became an annual tradition in the Southern city. While Mardi Gras officially takes place on Fat Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent—in New Orleans, annual Mardi Gras festivities start weeks beforehand.\nThis article originally appeared online in 2018 and was most recently updated in November 2024. The Associated Press, Lyndsey Matthews, and Sarah Buder contributed to this story.\nTim Chester is a freelance writer and editor covering hotels, family travel, sustainable travel, and outdoor adventure. Previously, he was a deputy editor at Afar. He lives near Los Angeles and likes hiking, mountain biking, and attempting to surf. His recent travels have taken him to Peru, Argentina, Belize, Fiji, and much of the U.S. Find him on\nLinkedIn\nand\nInstagram\n.","attrs_markdown":"- [Destinations](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides)\n  \n  - [Africa](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides\/africa)\n  - [Asia](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides\/asia)\n  - [Caribbean](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides\/caribbean)\n  - [Europe](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides\/europe)\n  - [Middle East](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides\/middle-east)\n  - [North + Central America](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides\/north-america)\n  - [South America](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides\/south-america)\n  - [Oceania](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides\/oceania)\n  - [United States](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides\/united-states\/guide)\n  - [All Travel Guides](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides)\n- [Trip Ideas](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-inspiration)\n  \n  - [AFAR Advisor](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-inspiration\/afar-advisor)\n  - 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There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it—and during Mardi Gras, it’s all turned up to 11 and beyond. Some [1 million visitors](https:\/\/www.wwltv.com\/article\/entertainment\/events\/mardi-gras\/hotels-report-80-occupancy-for-mardi-gras-weekend\/289-8f7fd514-6c3e-45e3-997f-c69f21e95a90#:~:text=According%20to%20Schulz%2C%20approximately%20one,Orleans%20during%20peak%20carnival%20season.) take to the streets to participate in the city’s iconic Fat Tuesday parades and festivities. The annual celebration of excess and indulgence is observed everywhere from Rio de Janeiro to Venice, but New Orleans’s unique Mardi Gras customs make the city’s celebration particularly renowned in the United States and beyond.\n\nIf you’ve never been, it’s one of those weeks-of-a-lifetime. And even if you’re a veteran, it’ll keep surprising you. I’ve visited the city multiple times in recent years, for the [Jazz Fest in April](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/lost-in-music-a-weekend-immersed-in-new-orleans-culture-as-jazz-fest-hits-50), the Tales of the Cocktail [conference](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/the-worlds-best-bars-plus-the-cocktail-trends-youre-about-to-see-everywhere) in the summer, and more. But nothing compared to riding on a float with the Krewe of Orpheus during an [Afar Mardi Gras Experience](https:\/\/mardigrasafar.splashthat.com\/).\n\nThe Mardi Gras date always varies a little, and in 2025, it will fall on Tuesday, [March 4, 2025](https:\/\/www.neworleans.com\/events\/holidays-seasonal\/mardi-gras\/future-mardi-gras-dates\/). (In 2026, it’s much earlier, landing on February 17; in 2027, it’s even earlier, February 9.) Here’s everything you need to know about the Big Easy’s biggest party of the year.\n\n## The best places to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras\n![White, two-story Garden District mansion, with columned verandas; a large tree in foreground](https:\/\/afar.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f17b916\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2800x1867+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb0%2F22%2F9ce2f9664af0b0f045767c6ae0d1%2Fgarden-district-new-orleans-jade3234-shutterstock.jpg)\n\nThe Garden District is a great neighborhood to stay in during Mardi Gras: still central, but a bit quieter than the French Quarter.\n\nPhoto by Jade3234\/Shutterstock\n\nHotels naturally sell out fast during this popular time to visit New Orleans, so it’s never too early to start thinking about (or booking) your rooms for Mardi Gras. As of November 2024, there is still availability during the 2025 Mardi Gras season at places like the [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/neworleans\/) and the [Virgin Hotel](https:\/\/virginhotels.com\/new-orleans\/).\n\n### Neighborhoods\nLocation is everything if you’re visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras because parking is difficult, and you’ll want to walk if you’re planning to consume alcohol. To remain close to the parades Uptown, stay in the charming [Garden District](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/new-orleans-garden-district-guide-what-to-see-eat-and-do) bordered by Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue. This tree-lined neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, top-notch restaurants, and grand dame mansions, and the French Quarter’s festivities are just a streetcar ride away. The [Pontchartrain Hotel](https:\/\/thepontchartrainhotel.com\/) here has availability.\n\nFor a quieter—but still exciting—Mardi Gras experience, consider the Faubourg Marigny (commonly called “the Marigny”) and Bywater neighborhoods. These laid-back districts east of the French Quarter will offer a more [off-the-beaten-path Mardi Gras experience](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/under-the-radar-ways-to-celebrate-mardi-gras-season-in-new-orleans) (I loved the [city’s downriver delights](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/beyond-the-french-quarter-discovering-nolas-downriver-delights) here)—but the action of Bourbon Street is still close enough to access without having to drive.\n\n### Hotels\nRegardless of where you choose to rest your head during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the chances that a colorful parade will pass through the neighborhood during your visit are strong. Some other of our favorite New Orleans hotels include:\n\n- [**Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, an IHG Hotel**](https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=122560X1583085&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ihg.com%2Fkimptonhotels%2Fhotels%2Fus%2Fen%2Fhotel-fontenot-new-orleans-la%2Fmsyps%2Fhoteldetail&xcust=mardigras2022), Warehouse District\n- [**Hotel Saint Vincent**](https:\/\/saintvincentnola.com\/)**,** Lower Garden District\n- [**The Chloe**](https:\/\/www.thechloenola.com\/), Uptown\n- [**Hotel Peter & Paul**](https:\/\/ash.world\/hotels\/peter-and-paul), Marigny\n\n![A float for a Mardi Gras parade rolls down St. Charles Avenue, with crowds of people lining the street](https:\/\/afar.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/230992d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2000x1335+0+0\/resize\/800x534!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2F4a%2F135c6d04d635fafa2b5f81a6d0f0%2Foriginal-new-orleans-parade-mardi-gras.jpg)\n\nCrowds line St. Charles Avenue to catch some throws as a Mardi Gras parade rolls past\n\nPhoto by Suzanne C. Grim\/Shutterstock\n## Mardi Gras events not to miss\nBetween masquerade balls, parties, and parades, I didn’t have a spare minute when I experienced New Orleans’s Mardi Gras. You’ll be busy, but it’s worth it. You can sleep when you get home.\n\n### Enjoy the parades\nYou’ll experience several parades at least; they snake through the city, dominating the streets for hours on end. Hundreds of people line the streets with arms outstretched, hoping to catch the throws and other goodies hurled from costumed float riders. It’s an electrifying experience whether you’re in the crowd or lucky enough to be on a float.\n\nWith a packed parade schedule—there are dozens to participate in—it may be hard to pick which ones to attend. Melissa Comardelle, chief concierge at the [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/neworleans\/) and New Orleans native, recommends the all-female [Krewe of Muses](https:\/\/kreweofmuses.org\/) parade. “The prized catch is a decorated shoe,” Comardelle said. “I haven’t caught one yet, but I’m working on it.”\n\nIn 2025, [Mardi Gras parades](https:\/\/www.mardigrasneworleans.com\/parades\/) kick off on January 6 with displays from Société Des Champs Elysée and Krewe of Joan of Arc among others and run all the way up to Mardi Gras week. These earlier parades are a good way to get a feel for the festival if you’re in town earlier (or don’t want to join the crowds for the full event).\n\n### Be the belle of the ball\nBalls are another integral part of the Mardi Gras experience. Many are private, invite-only affairs (such as the Krewe of Lafitte’s [bash](https:\/\/www.kreweoflafitte.com\/events\/krewe-of-lafitte-mardi-gras-ball-pensacola-bay-center\/#:~:text=Party%20with%20the%20Krewe%20of,MEMBERS%20AND%20INVITED%20GUESTS%20ONLY.&text=Guest%20tickets%20are%20$200%20per,do%20not%20need%20a%20wristband.) at the Pensacola Bay Center) but there are some ticketed events. The [“evening of opulence and purpose”](https:\/\/advocacycntr.org\/event\/13th-annual-mardi-gras-ball\/#:~:text=February%2022%2C%202025%20@%207:,00%20pm%20-%2010:00%20pm&text=Join%20us%20for%20an%20evening,your%20way%20through%20the%20evening.) on February 22, from the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is one such example. Big indoor events can be really fun, especially if the weather is inclement.\n\n### Sample some king cake\nIt’s not hard to spot—a large [oval pastry (with a long history)](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/the-history-and-evolution-of-the-mardi-gras-king-cake) topped with icing and often decorated in the traditional purple, green, and yellow—but it’s hard to stop eating. King cake is a Mardi Gras must; [Levee Baking Co.](https:\/\/www.leveebakingco.com\/) and [Gracious Bakery](https:\/\/www.graciousbakery.com\/) are two places to try it.\n\n### Visit a Mardi Gras exhibition\nThe [Presbytère](https:\/\/louisianastatemuseum.org\/) is home to a wide-ranging collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia, while [Mardi Gras World](https:\/\/mardigrasworld.com\/) is open daily and features a huge “float den” where you can see artists working on props.\n\n### Keep an eye out for the Mardi Gras Indians\nThese costumed tribes, also known as [Black Masking Indians](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/stunning-portraits-of-new-orleanss-black-masking-indians), spend months crafting their dazzling, sequined outfits as part of a tradition that goes back centuries. They parade several times during the season. “We go onto the streets of New Orleans and we play war games,” Chief Shaka Zulu of the Golden Feather Hunters tribe told Afar. It’s something to behold.\n\n## Timing your trip: the best dates to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras\nMardi Gras day falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. However, Carnival celebrations always begin on January 6, a date referred to in the Christian calendar as the Twelfth Night because it marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (and hence the holiday season). Every year, Carnival season kicks off on this date at sundown and is followed by a weeks-long schedule of lively parades and street parties.\n\nCelebrations usually ramp up later, especially in the two weeks before Fat Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, this tends to be the busiest time to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. To be honest, the city is fun on any given weekend of the year. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can feel festive there earlier in the season.\n\n## What is Mardi Gras?\nMardi Gras—also known as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Carnival—is a debaucherous prelude to Lent, a six-week-long religious fast observed before Easter. The legacy of Mardi Gras can be traced to European Carnival celebrations during the 17th and 18th centuries.\n\nThe [holiday’s connection to New Orleans](https:\/\/www.mardigrasneworleans.com\/history\/) dates back to 1699, when explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived in what is now Louisiana and declared a plot of land “Pointe du Mardi Gras” upon realizing it was the eve of the holiday.\n\nIn 1718, the city of New Orleans was established near that very spot, and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras parades and masquerade balls became an annual tradition in the Southern city. While Mardi Gras officially takes place on Fat Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent—in New Orleans, annual Mardi Gras festivities start weeks beforehand.\n\n*This article originally appeared online in 2018 and was most recently updated in November 2024. The Associated Press, Lyndsey Matthews, and Sarah Buder contributed to this story.*\n\n[Tim Chester](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/authors\/tim-chester)\n\nTim Chester is a freelance writer and editor covering hotels, family travel, sustainable travel, and outdoor adventure. Previously, he was a deputy editor at Afar. He lives near Los Angeles and likes hiking, mountain biking, and attempting to surf. His recent travels have taken him to Peru, Argentina, Belize, Fiji, and much of the U.S. Find him on [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/timchester\/) and [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/timchester\/?hl=en).\n\nREAD NEXT\n\n[Portland, Maine, Is America’s Best Bakery Town](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/portland-maine-is-americas-best-bakery-town \"Portland, Maine, Is America’s Best Bakery Town\")\n\n[The Airport Hotels That Will Change Your Mind About Layovers](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/hotels\/great-airport-hotels-around-the-world \"The Airport Hotels That Will Change Your Mind About Layovers\")\n\n[This Ancient French City Has More Intact Roman Ruins Than Anywhere Outside Italy](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/travel-guide-to-nimes-france \"This Ancient French City Has More Intact Roman Ruins Than Anywhere Outside Italy\")\n\nFROM OUR PARTNERS\n\n[![Douro Valley Vineyards River Rolling Hills Roam by 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Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.\n\nMORE FROM AFAR\n\n[![The Peak Lounge at sunset with floor-to-ceiling windows and red banquette seating ](https:\/\/afar.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c4d4965\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3000x1500+0+179\/resize\/100x50!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F19%2Fd5%2Fba2950b04a85b3389822f98ebeab%2Ftokyo-park-hyatt-tokyo-pr-the-peak-lounge-bar-02-credit-required-park-hyatt-tokyo-by-jouin-manku-c-yongjoon-choi.jpg)](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/hotels\/in-depth-review-of-park-hyatt-tokyo)\n\n[Stay Here Next](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-inspiration\/hotels\/hotel-reviews)\n\n[I Was a Sommelier at Park Hyatt Tokyo in the ’90s. 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November 28, 2019: Danish village of Solvang at sunset, California](https:\/\/afar.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/55a07c5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2000x1000+0+242\/resize\/100x50!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F50%2Fd3%2F50c5de464b359b8d411ae918307a%2Fcalifornia-solvang-shutterstock-1728778885.jpg)](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/us-alternatives-to-classic-european-destinations)\n\n[Where to Travel Next](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-inspiration\/where-to-go-now)\n\n[18 Places in the United States That Feel Like Europe](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/us-alternatives-to-classic-european-destinations)\n\nApril 13, 2026 05:31 PM\n\n·\n\n[Katherine LaGrave](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/authors\/katherine-lagrave)\n\n[See More](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine)\n\n![AFAR White Logo](https:\/\/afar.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/7026089\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/1920x1080+0+0\/resize\/400x225!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe1%2Fbf%2F6ba322154ad0b4402422b40c9424%2Fafar-logo.png)\n\n- [twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/afarmedia)\n- [instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/afarmedia\/)\n- [facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/afarmedia)\n- [pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/afarmedia)\n- [youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/afarmedia)\n- [linkedin](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/afar-media)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/about)\n- [Subscribe to the magazine](https:\/\/w1.buysub.com\/servlet\/OrdersGateway?cds_mag_code=AFA&cds_page_id=223701&cds_response_key=I8300)\n- [The Travel Advisory Council](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/about\/travel-advisory-council)\n- [Advertising](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/advertise)\n- [Gift a subscription](https:\/\/w1.buysub.com\/servlet\/GiftsGateway?cds_mag_code=AFA&cds_page_id=224551&cds_responsekey=G8301)\n- [Destination guides](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/travel-guides)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/about\/jobs)\n- [Manage your subscription](https:\/\/w1.buysub.com\/loc\/AFA\/customerservice)\n- [Podcasts](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/podcasts)\n- [Contributor’s Guidelines](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/about\/pitch-guidelines)\n- [Customer Service](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/about\/customer-service)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/about\/privacy-policy)\n- [Archive](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine)\n- [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/about\/cookie-policy)\n- [Terms of service](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/about\/terms-of-service)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/email.afar.com\/join\/3n4\/signup)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/videos)\n\n***Travelers Who Care***\n\nAfar participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site.  \n© 2026 AFAR LLC","attrs_readable_markdown":"![Crowd with arms up to catch \"throws\" from float with colorful, large artificial flowers at Mardi Gras parade ](https:\/\/afar.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/820a11d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/1600x1067+0+0\/resize\/900x600!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff9%2F66%2Ffaec76922b282e7e45afd07a278c%2Foriginal-shutterstock-590989586.jpg)\n\nMardi Gras, which is always 47 days before Easter, is a little later in 2025.\n\nPhoto by Methanon\/Shutterstock\n\nNew Orleans is one of the few cities I’ve visited that really does feel singular. There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it—and during Mardi Gras, it’s all turned up to 11 and beyond. Some [1 million visitors](https:\/\/www.wwltv.com\/article\/entertainment\/events\/mardi-gras\/hotels-report-80-occupancy-for-mardi-gras-weekend\/289-8f7fd514-6c3e-45e3-997f-c69f21e95a90#:~:text=According%20to%20Schulz%2C%20approximately%20one,Orleans%20during%20peak%20carnival%20season.) take to the streets to participate in the city’s iconic Fat Tuesday parades and festivities. The annual celebration of excess and indulgence is observed everywhere from Rio de Janeiro to Venice, but New Orleans’s unique Mardi Gras customs make the city’s celebration particularly renowned in the United States and beyond.\n\nIf you’ve never been, it’s one of those weeks-of-a-lifetime. And even if you’re a veteran, it’ll keep surprising you. I’ve visited the city multiple times in recent years, for the [Jazz Fest in April](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/lost-in-music-a-weekend-immersed-in-new-orleans-culture-as-jazz-fest-hits-50), the Tales of the Cocktail [conference](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/the-worlds-best-bars-plus-the-cocktail-trends-youre-about-to-see-everywhere) in the summer, and more. But nothing compared to riding on a float with the Krewe of Orpheus during an [Afar Mardi Gras Experience](https:\/\/mardigrasafar.splashthat.com\/).\n\nThe Mardi Gras date always varies a little, and in 2025, it will fall on Tuesday, [March 4, 2025](https:\/\/www.neworleans.com\/events\/holidays-seasonal\/mardi-gras\/future-mardi-gras-dates\/). (In 2026, it’s much earlier, landing on February 17; in 2027, it’s even earlier, February 9.) Here’s everything you need to know about the Big Easy’s biggest party of the year.\n\n## The best places to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras\n![White, two-story Garden District mansion, with columned verandas; a large tree in foreground](https:\/\/afar.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f17b916\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2800x1867+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb0%2F22%2F9ce2f9664af0b0f045767c6ae0d1%2Fgarden-district-new-orleans-jade3234-shutterstock.jpg)\n\nThe Garden District is a great neighborhood to stay in during Mardi Gras: still central, but a bit quieter than the French Quarter.\n\nPhoto by Jade3234\/Shutterstock\n\nHotels naturally sell out fast during this popular time to visit New Orleans, so it’s never too early to start thinking about (or booking) your rooms for Mardi Gras. As of November 2024, there is still availability during the 2025 Mardi Gras season at places like the [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/neworleans\/) and the [Virgin Hotel](https:\/\/virginhotels.com\/new-orleans\/).\n\n### Neighborhoods\nLocation is everything if you’re visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras because parking is difficult, and you’ll want to walk if you’re planning to consume alcohol. To remain close to the parades Uptown, stay in the charming [Garden District](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/new-orleans-garden-district-guide-what-to-see-eat-and-do) bordered by Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue. This tree-lined neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, top-notch restaurants, and grand dame mansions, and the French Quarter’s festivities are just a streetcar ride away. The [Pontchartrain Hotel](https:\/\/thepontchartrainhotel.com\/) here has availability.\n\nFor a quieter—but still exciting—Mardi Gras experience, consider the Faubourg Marigny (commonly called “the Marigny”) and Bywater neighborhoods. These laid-back districts east of the French Quarter will offer a more [off-the-beaten-path Mardi Gras experience](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/under-the-radar-ways-to-celebrate-mardi-gras-season-in-new-orleans) (I loved the [city’s downriver delights](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/beyond-the-french-quarter-discovering-nolas-downriver-delights) here)—but the action of Bourbon Street is still close enough to access without having to drive.\n\n### Hotels\nRegardless of where you choose to rest your head during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the chances that a colorful parade will pass through the neighborhood during your visit are strong. Some other of our favorite New Orleans hotels include:\n\n- [**Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, an IHG Hotel**](https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=122560X1583085&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ihg.com%2Fkimptonhotels%2Fhotels%2Fus%2Fen%2Fhotel-fontenot-new-orleans-la%2Fmsyps%2Fhoteldetail&xcust=mardigras2022), Warehouse District\n- [**Hotel Saint Vincent**](https:\/\/saintvincentnola.com\/)**,** Lower Garden District\n- [**The Chloe**](https:\/\/www.thechloenola.com\/), Uptown\n- [**Hotel Peter & Paul**](https:\/\/ash.world\/hotels\/peter-and-paul), Marigny\n\n![A float for a Mardi Gras parade rolls down St. Charles Avenue, with crowds of people lining the street](https:\/\/afar.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/230992d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2000x1335+0+0\/resize\/800x534!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2F4a%2F135c6d04d635fafa2b5f81a6d0f0%2Foriginal-new-orleans-parade-mardi-gras.jpg)\n\nCrowds line St. Charles Avenue to catch some throws as a Mardi Gras parade rolls past\n\nPhoto by Suzanne C. Grim\/Shutterstock\n## Mardi Gras events not to miss\nBetween masquerade balls, parties, and parades, I didn’t have a spare minute when I experienced New Orleans’s Mardi Gras. You’ll be busy, but it’s worth it. You can sleep when you get home.\n\n### Enjoy the parades\nYou’ll experience several parades at least; they snake through the city, dominating the streets for hours on end. Hundreds of people line the streets with arms outstretched, hoping to catch the throws and other goodies hurled from costumed float riders. It’s an electrifying experience whether you’re in the crowd or lucky enough to be on a float.\n\nWith a packed parade schedule—there are dozens to participate in—it may be hard to pick which ones to attend. Melissa Comardelle, chief concierge at the [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/neworleans\/) and New Orleans native, recommends the all-female [Krewe of Muses](https:\/\/kreweofmuses.org\/) parade. “The prized catch is a decorated shoe,” Comardelle said. “I haven’t caught one yet, but I’m working on it.”\n\nIn 2025, [Mardi Gras parades](https:\/\/www.mardigrasneworleans.com\/parades\/) kick off on January 6 with displays from Société Des Champs Elysée and Krewe of Joan of Arc among others and run all the way up to Mardi Gras week. These earlier parades are a good way to get a feel for the festival if you’re in town earlier (or don’t want to join the crowds for the full event).\n\n### Be the belle of the ball\nBalls are another integral part of the Mardi Gras experience. Many are private, invite-only affairs (such as the Krewe of Lafitte’s [bash](https:\/\/www.kreweoflafitte.com\/events\/krewe-of-lafitte-mardi-gras-ball-pensacola-bay-center\/#:~:text=Party%20with%20the%20Krewe%20of,MEMBERS%20AND%20INVITED%20GUESTS%20ONLY.&text=Guest%20tickets%20are%20$200%20per,do%20not%20need%20a%20wristband.) at the Pensacola Bay Center) but there are some ticketed events. The [“evening of opulence and purpose”](https:\/\/advocacycntr.org\/event\/13th-annual-mardi-gras-ball\/#:~:text=February%2022%2C%202025%20@%207:,00%20pm%20-%2010:00%20pm&text=Join%20us%20for%20an%20evening,your%20way%20through%20the%20evening.) on February 22, from the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is one such example. Big indoor events can be really fun, especially if the weather is inclement.\n\n### Sample some king cake\nIt’s not hard to spot—a large [oval pastry (with a long history)](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/the-history-and-evolution-of-the-mardi-gras-king-cake) topped with icing and often decorated in the traditional purple, green, and yellow—but it’s hard to stop eating. King cake is a Mardi Gras must; [Levee Baking Co.](https:\/\/www.leveebakingco.com\/) and [Gracious Bakery](https:\/\/www.graciousbakery.com\/) are two places to try it.\n\n### Visit a Mardi Gras exhibition\nThe [Presbytère](https:\/\/louisianastatemuseum.org\/) is home to a wide-ranging collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia, while [Mardi Gras World](https:\/\/mardigrasworld.com\/) is open daily and features a huge “float den” where you can see artists working on props.\n\n### Keep an eye out for the Mardi Gras Indians\nThese costumed tribes, also known as [Black Masking Indians](https:\/\/www.afar.com\/magazine\/stunning-portraits-of-new-orleanss-black-masking-indians), spend months crafting their dazzling, sequined outfits as part of a tradition that goes back centuries. They parade several times during the season. “We go onto the streets of New Orleans and we play war games,” Chief Shaka Zulu of the Golden Feather Hunters tribe told Afar. It’s something to behold.\n\n## Timing your trip: the best dates to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras\nMardi Gras day falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. However, Carnival celebrations always begin on January 6, a date referred to in the Christian calendar as the Twelfth Night because it marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (and hence the holiday season). Every year, Carnival season kicks off on this date at sundown and is followed by a weeks-long schedule of lively parades and street parties.\n\nCelebrations usually ramp up later, especially in the two weeks before Fat Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, this tends to be the busiest time to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. To be honest, the city is fun on any given weekend of the year. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can feel festive there earlier in the season.\n\n## What is Mardi Gras?\nMardi Gras—also known as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Carnival—is a debaucherous prelude to Lent, a six-week-long religious fast observed before Easter. The legacy of Mardi Gras can be traced to European Carnival celebrations during the 17th and 18th centuries.\n\nThe [holiday’s connection to New Orleans](https:\/\/www.mardigrasneworleans.com\/history\/) dates back to 1699, when explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived in what is now Louisiana and declared a plot of land “Pointe du Mardi Gras” upon realizing it was the eve of the holiday.\n\nIn 1718, the city of New Orleans was established near that very spot, and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras parades and masquerade balls became an annual tradition in the Southern city. While Mardi Gras officially takes place on Fat Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent—in New Orleans, annual Mardi Gras festivities start weeks beforehand.\n\n*This article originally appeared online in 2018 and was most recently updated in November 2024. The Associated Press, Lyndsey Matthews, and Sarah Buder contributed to this story.*\n\nTim Chester is a freelance writer and editor covering hotels, family travel, sustainable travel, and outdoor adventure. Previously, he was a deputy editor at Afar. He lives near Los Angeles and likes hiking, mountain biking, and attempting to surf. His recent travels have taken him to Peru, Argentina, Belize, Fiji, and much of the U.S. Find him on [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/timchester\/) and [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/timchester\/?hl=en).","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Mardi Gras, which is always 47 days before Easter, is a little later in 2025. Photo by Methanon/Shutterstock New Orleans is one of the few cities I’ve visited that really does feel singular. There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it—and during Mardi Gras, it’s all turned up to 11 and beyond. Some 1 million visitors take to the streets to participate in the city’s iconic Fat Tuesday parades and festivities. The annual celebration of excess and indulgence is observed everywhere from Rio de Janeiro to Venice, but New Orleans’s unique Mardi Gras customs make the city’s celebration particularly renowned in the United States and beyond. If you’ve never been, it’s one of those weeks-of-a-lifetime. And even if you’re a veteran, it’ll keep surprising you. I’ve visited the city multiple times in recent years, for the Jazz Fest in April , the Tales of the Cocktail conference in the summer, and more. But nothing compared to riding on a float with the Krewe of Orpheus during an Afar Mardi Gras Experience . The Mardi Gras date always varies a little, and in 2025, it will fall on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 . (In 2026, it’s much earlier, landing on February 17; in 2027, it’s even earlier, February 9.) Here’s everything you need to know about the Big Easy’s biggest party of the year. The best places to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras The Garden District is a great neighborhood to stay in during Mardi Gras: still central, but a bit quieter than the French Quarter. Photo by Jade3234/Shutterstock Hotels naturally sell out fast during this popular time to visit New Orleans, so it’s never too early to start thinking about (or booking) your rooms for Mardi Gras. As of November 2024, there is still availability during the 2025 Mardi Gras season at places like the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans and the Virgin Hotel . Neighborhoods Location is everything if you’re visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras because parking is difficult, and you’ll want to walk if you’re planning to consume alcohol. To remain close to the parades Uptown, stay in the charming Garden District bordered by Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue. This tree-lined neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, top-notch restaurants, and grand dame mansions, and the French Quarter’s festivities are just a streetcar ride away. The Pontchartrain Hotel here has availability. For a quieter—but still exciting—Mardi Gras experience, consider the Faubourg Marigny (commonly called “the Marigny”) and Bywater neighborhoods. These laid-back districts east of the French Quarter will offer a more off-the-beaten-path Mardi Gras experience (I loved the city’s downriver delights here)—but the action of Bourbon Street is still close enough to access without having to drive. Hotels Regardless of where you choose to rest your head during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the chances that a colorful parade will pass through the neighborhood during your visit are strong. Some other of our favorite New Orleans hotels include: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, an IHG Hotel , Warehouse District Hotel Saint Vincent , Lower Garden District The Chloe , Uptown Hotel Peter & Paul , Marigny Crowds line St. Charles Avenue to catch some throws as a Mardi Gras parade rolls past Photo by Suzanne C. Grim/Shutterstock Mardi Gras events not to miss Between masquerade balls, parties, and parades, I didn’t have a spare minute when I experienced New Orleans’s Mardi Gras. You’ll be busy, but it’s worth it. You can sleep when you get home. Enjoy the parades You’ll experience several parades at least; they snake through the city, dominating the streets for hours on end. Hundreds of people line the streets with arms outstretched, hoping to catch the throws and other goodies hurled from costumed float riders. It’s an electrifying experience whether you’re in the crowd or lucky enough to be on a float. With a packed parade schedule—there are dozens to participate in—it may be hard to pick which ones to attend. Melissa Comardelle, chief concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans and New Orleans native, recommends the all-female Krewe of Muses parade. “The prized catch is a decorated shoe,” Comardelle said. “I haven’t caught one yet, but I’m working on it.” In 2025, Mardi Gras parades kick off on January 6 with displays from Société Des Champs Elysée and Krewe of Joan of Arc among others and run all the way up to Mardi Gras week. These earlier parades are a good way to get a feel for the festival if you’re in town earlier (or don’t want to join the crowds for the full event). Be the belle of the ball Balls are another integral part of the Mardi Gras experience. Many are private, invite-only affairs (such as the Krewe of Lafitte’s bash at the Pensacola Bay Center) but there are some ticketed events. The “evening of opulence and purpose” on February 22, from the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is one such example. Big indoor events can be really fun, especially if the weather is inclement. Sample some king cake It’s not hard to spot—a large oval pastry (with a long history) topped with icing and often decorated in the traditional purple, green, and yellow—but it’s hard to stop eating. King cake is a Mardi Gras must; Levee Baking Co. and Gracious Bakery are two places to try it. Visit a Mardi Gras exhibition The Presbytère is home to a wide-ranging collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia, while Mardi Gras World is open daily and features a huge “float den” where you can see artists working on props. Keep an eye out for the Mardi Gras Indians These costumed tribes, also known as Black Masking Indians , spend months crafting their dazzling, sequined outfits as part of a tradition that goes back centuries. They parade several times during the season. “We go onto the streets of New Orleans and we play war games,” Chief Shaka Zulu of the Golden Feather Hunters tribe told Afar. It’s something to behold. Timing your trip: the best dates to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras Mardi Gras day falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. However, Carnival celebrations always begin on January 6, a date referred to in the Christian calendar as the Twelfth Night because it marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (and hence the holiday season). Every year, Carnival season kicks off on this date at sundown and is followed by a weeks-long schedule of lively parades and street parties. Celebrations usually ramp up later, especially in the two weeks before Fat Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, this tends to be the busiest time to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. To be honest, the city is fun on any given weekend of the year. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can feel festive there earlier in the season. What is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras—also known as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Carnival—is a debaucherous prelude to Lent, a six-week-long religious fast observed before Easter. The legacy of Mardi Gras can be traced to European Carnival celebrations during the 17th and 18th centuries. The holiday’s connection to New Orleans dates back to 1699, when explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived in what is now Louisiana and declared a plot of land “Pointe du Mardi Gras” upon realizing it was the eve of the holiday. In 1718, the city of New Orleans was established near that very spot, and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras parades and masquerade balls became an annual tradition in the Southern city. While Mardi Gras officially takes place on Fat Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent—in New Orleans, annual Mardi Gras festivities start weeks beforehand. This article originally appeared online in 2018 and was most recently updated in November 2024. The Associated Press, Lyndsey Matthews, and Sarah Buder contributed to this story. Tim Chester is a freelance writer and editor covering hotels, family travel, sustainable travel, and outdoor adventure. Previously, he was a deputy editor at Afar. He lives near Los Angeles and likes hiking, mountain biking, and attempting to surf. His recent travels have taken him to Peru, Argentina, Belize, Fiji, and much of the U.S. Find him on LinkedIn and Instagram .
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Mardi Gras day celebrations in NOLA start well before Fat Tuesday. - Copy Link copied - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=430098855326056&display=popup&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afar.com%2Fmagazine%2Feverything-you-need-to-know-about-mardi-gras-in-new-orleans) - [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afar.com%2Fmagazine%2Feverything-you-need-to-know-about-mardi-gras-in-new-orleans&description=When%20Should%20You%20Celebrate%20Mardi%20Gras%20in%20New%20Orleans%3F&media=https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/f9/66/faec76922b282e7e45afd07a278c/original-shutterstock-590989586.jpg) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afar.com%2Fmagazine%2Feverything-you-need-to-know-about-mardi-gras-in-new-orleans&text=When%20Should%20You%20Celebrate%20Mardi%20Gras%20in%20New%20Orleans%3F) - [Print]() ![Crowd with arms up to catch "throws" from float with colorful, large artificial flowers at Mardi Gras parade ](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/820a11d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1600x1067+0+0/resize/900x600!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff9%2F66%2Ffaec76922b282e7e45afd07a278c%2Foriginal-shutterstock-590989586.jpg) Mardi Gras, which is always 47 days before Easter, is a little later in 2025. Photo by Methanon/Shutterstock New Orleans is one of the few cities I’ve visited that really does feel singular. There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it—and during Mardi Gras, it’s all turned up to 11 and beyond. Some [1 million visitors](https://www.wwltv.com/article/entertainment/events/mardi-gras/hotels-report-80-occupancy-for-mardi-gras-weekend/289-8f7fd514-6c3e-45e3-997f-c69f21e95a90#:~:text=According%20to%20Schulz%2C%20approximately%20one,Orleans%20during%20peak%20carnival%20season.) take to the streets to participate in the city’s iconic Fat Tuesday parades and festivities. The annual celebration of excess and indulgence is observed everywhere from Rio de Janeiro to Venice, but New Orleans’s unique Mardi Gras customs make the city’s celebration particularly renowned in the United States and beyond. If you’ve never been, it’s one of those weeks-of-a-lifetime. And even if you’re a veteran, it’ll keep surprising you. I’ve visited the city multiple times in recent years, for the [Jazz Fest in April](https://www.afar.com/magazine/lost-in-music-a-weekend-immersed-in-new-orleans-culture-as-jazz-fest-hits-50), the Tales of the Cocktail [conference](https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-worlds-best-bars-plus-the-cocktail-trends-youre-about-to-see-everywhere) in the summer, and more. But nothing compared to riding on a float with the Krewe of Orpheus during an [Afar Mardi Gras Experience](https://mardigrasafar.splashthat.com/). The Mardi Gras date always varies a little, and in 2025, it will fall on Tuesday, [March 4, 2025](https://www.neworleans.com/events/holidays-seasonal/mardi-gras/future-mardi-gras-dates/). (In 2026, it’s much earlier, landing on February 17; in 2027, it’s even earlier, February 9.) Here’s everything you need to know about the Big Easy’s biggest party of the year. ## The best places to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras ![White, two-story Garden District mansion, with columned verandas; a large tree in foreground](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f17b916/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2800x1867+0+0/resize/800x533!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb0%2F22%2F9ce2f9664af0b0f045767c6ae0d1%2Fgarden-district-new-orleans-jade3234-shutterstock.jpg) The Garden District is a great neighborhood to stay in during Mardi Gras: still central, but a bit quieter than the French Quarter. Photo by Jade3234/Shutterstock Hotels naturally sell out fast during this popular time to visit New Orleans, so it’s never too early to start thinking about (or booking) your rooms for Mardi Gras. As of November 2024, there is still availability during the 2025 Mardi Gras season at places like the [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https://www.fourseasons.com/neworleans/) and the [Virgin Hotel](https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/). ### Neighborhoods Location is everything if you’re visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras because parking is difficult, and you’ll want to walk if you’re planning to consume alcohol. To remain close to the parades Uptown, stay in the charming [Garden District](https://www.afar.com/magazine/new-orleans-garden-district-guide-what-to-see-eat-and-do) bordered by Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue. This tree-lined neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, top-notch restaurants, and grand dame mansions, and the French Quarter’s festivities are just a streetcar ride away. The [Pontchartrain Hotel](https://thepontchartrainhotel.com/) here has availability. For a quieter—but still exciting—Mardi Gras experience, consider the Faubourg Marigny (commonly called “the Marigny”) and Bywater neighborhoods. These laid-back districts east of the French Quarter will offer a more [off-the-beaten-path Mardi Gras experience](https://www.afar.com/magazine/under-the-radar-ways-to-celebrate-mardi-gras-season-in-new-orleans) (I loved the [city’s downriver delights](https://www.afar.com/magazine/beyond-the-french-quarter-discovering-nolas-downriver-delights) here)—but the action of Bourbon Street is still close enough to access without having to drive. ### Hotels Regardless of where you choose to rest your head during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the chances that a colorful parade will pass through the neighborhood during your visit are strong. Some other of our favorite New Orleans hotels include: - [Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, an IHG Hotel](https://go.skimresources.com/?id=122560X1583085&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ihg.com%2Fkimptonhotels%2Fhotels%2Fus%2Fen%2Fhotel-fontenot-new-orleans-la%2Fmsyps%2Fhoteldetail&xcust=mardigras2022), Warehouse District - [Hotel Saint Vincent](https://saintvincentnola.com/), Lower Garden District - [The Chloe](https://www.thechloenola.com/), Uptown - [Hotel Peter & Paul](https://ash.world/hotels/peter-and-paul), Marigny ![A float for a Mardi Gras parade rolls down St. Charles Avenue, with crowds of people lining the street](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/230992d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1335+0+0/resize/800x534!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2F4a%2F135c6d04d635fafa2b5f81a6d0f0%2Foriginal-new-orleans-parade-mardi-gras.jpg) Crowds line St. Charles Avenue to catch some throws as a Mardi Gras parade rolls past Photo by Suzanne C. Grim/Shutterstock ## Mardi Gras events not to miss Between masquerade balls, parties, and parades, I didn’t have a spare minute when I experienced New Orleans’s Mardi Gras. You’ll be busy, but it’s worth it. You can sleep when you get home. ### Enjoy the parades You’ll experience several parades at least; they snake through the city, dominating the streets for hours on end. Hundreds of people line the streets with arms outstretched, hoping to catch the throws and other goodies hurled from costumed float riders. It’s an electrifying experience whether you’re in the crowd or lucky enough to be on a float. With a packed parade schedule—there are dozens to participate in—it may be hard to pick which ones to attend. Melissa Comardelle, chief concierge at the [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https://www.fourseasons.com/neworleans/) and New Orleans native, recommends the all-female [Krewe of Muses](https://kreweofmuses.org/) parade. “The prized catch is a decorated shoe,” Comardelle said. “I haven’t caught one yet, but I’m working on it.” In 2025, [Mardi Gras parades](https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/) kick off on January 6 with displays from Société Des Champs Elysée and Krewe of Joan of Arc among others and run all the way up to Mardi Gras week. These earlier parades are a good way to get a feel for the festival if you’re in town earlier (or don’t want to join the crowds for the full event). ### Be the belle of the ball Balls are another integral part of the Mardi Gras experience. Many are private, invite-only affairs (such as the Krewe of Lafitte’s [bash](https://www.kreweoflafitte.com/events/krewe-of-lafitte-mardi-gras-ball-pensacola-bay-center/#:~:text=Party%20with%20the%20Krewe%20of,MEMBERS%20AND%20INVITED%20GUESTS%20ONLY.&text=Guest%20tickets%20are%20$200%20per,do%20not%20need%20a%20wristband.) at the Pensacola Bay Center) but there are some ticketed events. The [“evening of opulence and purpose”](https://advocacycntr.org/event/13th-annual-mardi-gras-ball/#:~:text=February%2022%2C%202025%20@%207:,00%20pm%20-%2010:00%20pm&text=Join%20us%20for%20an%20evening,your%20way%20through%20the%20evening.) on February 22, from the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is one such example. Big indoor events can be really fun, especially if the weather is inclement. ### Sample some king cake It’s not hard to spot—a large [oval pastry (with a long history)](https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-history-and-evolution-of-the-mardi-gras-king-cake) topped with icing and often decorated in the traditional purple, green, and yellow—but it’s hard to stop eating. King cake is a Mardi Gras must; [Levee Baking Co.](https://www.leveebakingco.com/) and [Gracious Bakery](https://www.graciousbakery.com/) are two places to try it. ### Visit a Mardi Gras exhibition The [Presbytère](https://louisianastatemuseum.org/) is home to a wide-ranging collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia, while [Mardi Gras World](https://mardigrasworld.com/) is open daily and features a huge “float den” where you can see artists working on props. ### Keep an eye out for the Mardi Gras Indians These costumed tribes, also known as [Black Masking Indians](https://www.afar.com/magazine/stunning-portraits-of-new-orleanss-black-masking-indians), spend months crafting their dazzling, sequined outfits as part of a tradition that goes back centuries. They parade several times during the season. “We go onto the streets of New Orleans and we play war games,” Chief Shaka Zulu of the Golden Feather Hunters tribe told Afar. It’s something to behold. ## Timing your trip: the best dates to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras Mardi Gras day falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. However, Carnival celebrations always begin on January 6, a date referred to in the Christian calendar as the Twelfth Night because it marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (and hence the holiday season). Every year, Carnival season kicks off on this date at sundown and is followed by a weeks-long schedule of lively parades and street parties. Celebrations usually ramp up later, especially in the two weeks before Fat Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, this tends to be the busiest time to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. To be honest, the city is fun on any given weekend of the year. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can feel festive there earlier in the season. ## What is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras—also known as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Carnival—is a debaucherous prelude to Lent, a six-week-long religious fast observed before Easter. The legacy of Mardi Gras can be traced to European Carnival celebrations during the 17th and 18th centuries. The [holiday’s connection to New Orleans](https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history/) dates back to 1699, when explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived in what is now Louisiana and declared a plot of land “Pointe du Mardi Gras” upon realizing it was the eve of the holiday. In 1718, the city of New Orleans was established near that very spot, and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras parades and masquerade balls became an annual tradition in the Southern city. While Mardi Gras officially takes place on Fat Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent—in New Orleans, annual Mardi Gras festivities start weeks beforehand. This article originally appeared online in 2018 and was most recently updated in November 2024. The Associated Press, Lyndsey Matthews, and Sarah Buder contributed to this story. [Tim Chester](https://www.afar.com/authors/tim-chester) Tim Chester is a freelance writer and editor covering hotels, family travel, sustainable travel, and outdoor adventure. Previously, he was a deputy editor at Afar. He lives near Los Angeles and likes hiking, mountain biking, and attempting to surf. His recent travels have taken him to Peru, Argentina, Belize, Fiji, and much of the U.S. Find him on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/timchester/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/timchester/?hl=en). 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Readable Markdown	![Crowd with arms up to catch "throws" from float with colorful, large artificial flowers at Mardi Gras parade ](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/820a11d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1600x1067+0+0/resize/900x600!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff9%2F66%2Ffaec76922b282e7e45afd07a278c%2Foriginal-shutterstock-590989586.jpg) Mardi Gras, which is always 47 days before Easter, is a little later in 2025. Photo by Methanon/Shutterstock New Orleans is one of the few cities I’ve visited that really does feel singular. There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it—and during Mardi Gras, it’s all turned up to 11 and beyond. Some [1 million visitors](https://www.wwltv.com/article/entertainment/events/mardi-gras/hotels-report-80-occupancy-for-mardi-gras-weekend/289-8f7fd514-6c3e-45e3-997f-c69f21e95a90#:~:text=According%20to%20Schulz%2C%20approximately%20one,Orleans%20during%20peak%20carnival%20season.) take to the streets to participate in the city’s iconic Fat Tuesday parades and festivities. The annual celebration of excess and indulgence is observed everywhere from Rio de Janeiro to Venice, but New Orleans’s unique Mardi Gras customs make the city’s celebration particularly renowned in the United States and beyond. If you’ve never been, it’s one of those weeks-of-a-lifetime. And even if you’re a veteran, it’ll keep surprising you. I’ve visited the city multiple times in recent years, for the [Jazz Fest in April](https://www.afar.com/magazine/lost-in-music-a-weekend-immersed-in-new-orleans-culture-as-jazz-fest-hits-50), the Tales of the Cocktail [conference](https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-worlds-best-bars-plus-the-cocktail-trends-youre-about-to-see-everywhere) in the summer, and more. But nothing compared to riding on a float with the Krewe of Orpheus during an [Afar Mardi Gras Experience](https://mardigrasafar.splashthat.com/). The Mardi Gras date always varies a little, and in 2025, it will fall on Tuesday, [March 4, 2025](https://www.neworleans.com/events/holidays-seasonal/mardi-gras/future-mardi-gras-dates/). (In 2026, it’s much earlier, landing on February 17; in 2027, it’s even earlier, February 9.) Here’s everything you need to know about the Big Easy’s biggest party of the year. ## The best places to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras ![White, two-story Garden District mansion, with columned verandas; a large tree in foreground](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f17b916/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2800x1867+0+0/resize/800x533!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb0%2F22%2F9ce2f9664af0b0f045767c6ae0d1%2Fgarden-district-new-orleans-jade3234-shutterstock.jpg) The Garden District is a great neighborhood to stay in during Mardi Gras: still central, but a bit quieter than the French Quarter. Photo by Jade3234/Shutterstock Hotels naturally sell out fast during this popular time to visit New Orleans, so it’s never too early to start thinking about (or booking) your rooms for Mardi Gras. As of November 2024, there is still availability during the 2025 Mardi Gras season at places like the [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https://www.fourseasons.com/neworleans/) and the [Virgin Hotel](https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/). ### Neighborhoods Location is everything if you’re visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras because parking is difficult, and you’ll want to walk if you’re planning to consume alcohol. To remain close to the parades Uptown, stay in the charming [Garden District](https://www.afar.com/magazine/new-orleans-garden-district-guide-what-to-see-eat-and-do) bordered by Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue. This tree-lined neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, top-notch restaurants, and grand dame mansions, and the French Quarter’s festivities are just a streetcar ride away. The [Pontchartrain Hotel](https://thepontchartrainhotel.com/) here has availability. For a quieter—but still exciting—Mardi Gras experience, consider the Faubourg Marigny (commonly called “the Marigny”) and Bywater neighborhoods. These laid-back districts east of the French Quarter will offer a more [off-the-beaten-path Mardi Gras experience](https://www.afar.com/magazine/under-the-radar-ways-to-celebrate-mardi-gras-season-in-new-orleans) (I loved the [city’s downriver delights](https://www.afar.com/magazine/beyond-the-french-quarter-discovering-nolas-downriver-delights) here)—but the action of Bourbon Street is still close enough to access without having to drive. ### Hotels Regardless of where you choose to rest your head during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the chances that a colorful parade will pass through the neighborhood during your visit are strong. Some other of our favorite New Orleans hotels include: - [Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, an IHG Hotel](https://go.skimresources.com/?id=122560X1583085&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ihg.com%2Fkimptonhotels%2Fhotels%2Fus%2Fen%2Fhotel-fontenot-new-orleans-la%2Fmsyps%2Fhoteldetail&xcust=mardigras2022), Warehouse District - [Hotel Saint Vincent](https://saintvincentnola.com/), Lower Garden District - [The Chloe](https://www.thechloenola.com/), Uptown - [Hotel Peter & Paul](https://ash.world/hotels/peter-and-paul), Marigny ![A float for a Mardi Gras parade rolls down St. Charles Avenue, with crowds of people lining the street](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/230992d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1335+0+0/resize/800x534!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2F4a%2F135c6d04d635fafa2b5f81a6d0f0%2Foriginal-new-orleans-parade-mardi-gras.jpg) Crowds line St. Charles Avenue to catch some throws as a Mardi Gras parade rolls past Photo by Suzanne C. Grim/Shutterstock ## Mardi Gras events not to miss Between masquerade balls, parties, and parades, I didn’t have a spare minute when I experienced New Orleans’s Mardi Gras. You’ll be busy, but it’s worth it. You can sleep when you get home. ### Enjoy the parades You’ll experience several parades at least; they snake through the city, dominating the streets for hours on end. Hundreds of people line the streets with arms outstretched, hoping to catch the throws and other goodies hurled from costumed float riders. It’s an electrifying experience whether you’re in the crowd or lucky enough to be on a float. With a packed parade schedule—there are dozens to participate in—it may be hard to pick which ones to attend. Melissa Comardelle, chief concierge at the [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https://www.fourseasons.com/neworleans/) and New Orleans native, recommends the all-female [Krewe of Muses](https://kreweofmuses.org/) parade. “The prized catch is a decorated shoe,” Comardelle said. “I haven’t caught one yet, but I’m working on it.” In 2025, [Mardi Gras parades](https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/) kick off on January 6 with displays from Société Des Champs Elysée and Krewe of Joan of Arc among others and run all the way up to Mardi Gras week. These earlier parades are a good way to get a feel for the festival if you’re in town earlier (or don’t want to join the crowds for the full event). ### Be the belle of the ball Balls are another integral part of the Mardi Gras experience. Many are private, invite-only affairs (such as the Krewe of Lafitte’s [bash](https://www.kreweoflafitte.com/events/krewe-of-lafitte-mardi-gras-ball-pensacola-bay-center/#:~:text=Party%20with%20the%20Krewe%20of,MEMBERS%20AND%20INVITED%20GUESTS%20ONLY.&text=Guest%20tickets%20are%20$200%20per,do%20not%20need%20a%20wristband.) at the Pensacola Bay Center) but there are some ticketed events. The [“evening of opulence and purpose”](https://advocacycntr.org/event/13th-annual-mardi-gras-ball/#:~:text=February%2022%2C%202025%20@%207:,00%20pm%20-%2010:00%20pm&text=Join%20us%20for%20an%20evening,your%20way%20through%20the%20evening.) on February 22, from the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is one such example. Big indoor events can be really fun, especially if the weather is inclement. ### Sample some king cake It’s not hard to spot—a large [oval pastry (with a long history)](https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-history-and-evolution-of-the-mardi-gras-king-cake) topped with icing and often decorated in the traditional purple, green, and yellow—but it’s hard to stop eating. King cake is a Mardi Gras must; [Levee Baking Co.](https://www.leveebakingco.com/) and [Gracious Bakery](https://www.graciousbakery.com/) are two places to try it. ### Visit a Mardi Gras exhibition The [Presbytère](https://louisianastatemuseum.org/) is home to a wide-ranging collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia, while [Mardi Gras World](https://mardigrasworld.com/) is open daily and features a huge “float den” where you can see artists working on props. ### Keep an eye out for the Mardi Gras Indians These costumed tribes, also known as [Black Masking Indians](https://www.afar.com/magazine/stunning-portraits-of-new-orleanss-black-masking-indians), spend months crafting their dazzling, sequined outfits as part of a tradition that goes back centuries. They parade several times during the season. “We go onto the streets of New Orleans and we play war games,” Chief Shaka Zulu of the Golden Feather Hunters tribe told Afar. It’s something to behold. ## Timing your trip: the best dates to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras Mardi Gras day falls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. However, Carnival celebrations always begin on January 6, a date referred to in the Christian calendar as the Twelfth Night because it marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (and hence the holiday season). Every year, Carnival season kicks off on this date at sundown and is followed by a weeks-long schedule of lively parades and street parties. Celebrations usually ramp up later, especially in the two weeks before Fat Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, this tends to be the busiest time to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. To be honest, the city is fun on any given weekend of the year. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can feel festive there earlier in the season. ## What is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras—also known as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Carnival—is a debaucherous prelude to Lent, a six-week-long religious fast observed before Easter. The legacy of Mardi Gras can be traced to European Carnival celebrations during the 17th and 18th centuries. The [holiday’s connection to New Orleans](https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history/) dates back to 1699, when explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived in what is now Louisiana and declared a plot of land “Pointe du Mardi Gras” upon realizing it was the eve of the holiday. In 1718, the city of New Orleans was established near that very spot, and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras parades and masquerade balls became an annual tradition in the Southern city. While Mardi Gras officially takes place on Fat Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent—in New Orleans, annual Mardi Gras festivities start weeks beforehand. This article originally appeared online in 2018 and was most recently updated in November 2024. The Associated Press, Lyndsey Matthews, and Sarah Buder contributed to this story. Tim Chester is a freelance writer and editor covering hotels, family travel, sustainable travel, and outdoor adventure. Previously, he was a deputy editor at Afar. He lives near Los Angeles and likes hiking, mountain biking, and attempting to surf. His recent travels have taken him to Peru, Argentina, Belize, Fiji, and much of the U.S. Find him on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/timchester/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/timchester/?hl=en).
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