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URLhttps://www.cntraveler.com/story/mardi-gras-new-orleans-guide
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Meta TitleNew Orleans Mardi Gras 2022: Everything You Need to Know | Condé Nast Traveler
Meta DescriptionAfter a year away the party is starting up again, albeit with some changes in place. Consider this your complete guide to New Orleans Mardi Gras 2022.
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All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. After a de facto cancellation last year, New Orleans ' Mardi Gras events are returning in 2022 with a full roster of parades reinstated. But with concerns about the Omicron variant still swirling and coronavirus infections at a record-high in the U.S. as carnival season kicks off in the Big Easy, what can visitors expect this year? Most venues, bars, and restaurants in New Orleans currently require a proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours to enter for anyone over five years of age, a policy that looks likely to be in place for all of Mardi Gras. Venues can operate at 100 percent capacity, and the festival is so far returning with almost all of the events that would take place in a regular year. One exception: All Uptown parades have been shortened as a safety measure, with the main thoroughfare of Magazine Street no longer a part of any parade route. The city currently has an indoor masking mandate in place as well. While the tourism-dependent city has seen a high uptake of vaccinations among residents, this does not address the fact that thousands of people from out of state flock to New Orleans every Mardi Gras—and this year, many are looking to make up for last year's lost Carnival season. Below, all your questions about New Orleans Mardi Gras 2022, answered.  All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. When is Mardi Gras 2022? Mardi Gras, or ‘Fat Tuesday,' lands on March 1 this year. It’s a feast that marks the last day before the beginning of Lent and the build up to the Easter holiday. In New Orleans, a strong Catholic tradition combines with city-wide hedonism both on the day itself and in the weeks-long build up. Come Ash Wednesday, there’s a collective hangover and the city returns to its regular levels of decadence as crawfish fries replace King Cakes and costumes are returned to their closets until the next time there’s a reason to dress up. Intel Newsletter Get The Intel on all things travel with a weekly news round-up But the event season leading up to Mardi Gras goes on longer than you might think: Yes, the actual day of Mardi Gras is the liveliest Tuesday you’ll likely ever witness, but the Carnival ‘season’ that comes before always begins much earlier. Twelfth Night (January 6th this year) is always the traditional beginning of Mardi Gras celebrations with the first parades. Events slowly escalate until Fat Tuesday itself, but the celebrations can go on for anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on when Easter falls. This year Easter is relatively late, meaning there’s officially about seven weeks of Carnival. Parade frequency for 2022 ramps up around February 18th, and, as always, the weekend days before Mardi Gras (from the previous Thursday night through Fat Tuesday afternoon) are packed with events. Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans Getty Brass marching band getting ready for Mardi Gras  Getty What you need to know about Mardi Gras parades To dispel a myth about the holiday, Mardi Gras is 99 percent free of people disrobing for plastic beads. You might see drunken revelers on Bourbon Street doing this, but locals typically celebrate in other ways. The parades, run by organizations called “krewes,” are one way, and there is a parade for everyone. The busiest are the large, official parades, where two or three krewes navigate large floats and toss out "throws," like beads, plastic cups, and toys. These official parades take place along St. Charles Avenue, or Orleans Avenue towards Canal Street downtown, with this year’s biggest including Krewe of Endymion (February 26 at 4:15 p.m.), Krewe of Bacchus (February 27 at 5:15 p.m.), and Krewe of Orpheus (February 28 at 6 p.m.). Some other large parades, such as the Zulu and Rex Krewes', have been slightly shortened this year as a safety measure. At the opposite end of the parade spectrum are small, independent walking parades that are also fun to catch, with lots of hand-made throws. These will include an excellent parade of miniature floats by Krewe of Tit Rex (February 13) and the Mardi Gras Day parades with Skeleton Krewe , who walk into Jackson Square from Uptown, and Krewe of St Anne , who walk to the Mississippi River in the Central Business District from the Bywater neighborhood around 8 a.m. There are various parade options between these extremes in scale: Krewe of Barkus (February 20) is a fun dog parade with creative costumes, and Krewe of Chewbacchus (February 5) is a sci-fi themed parade. Krewe de Vieux (February 12th), one of the only parades that passes through the French Quarter, is also the most adult in nature, with fairly graphic floats depicting politicians and celebrities. You can find the full menu of parades on the Mardi Gras New Orleans official website , or download a parade tracker app here . Most Popular And while the vast majority of Mardi Gras events are very family-friendly, Family Gras is a suburban event in Metairie, 10 minutes outside the city, that will take place on February 18 this year. The event includes a Kids' Court with face painting, interactive games, food stands and free outdoor concerts featuring both local and nationally recognized performers (past headliners include The Beach Boys, Cyndi Lauper, and The Monkees; this year’s talent has not yet been confirmed). What else to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras The main parades are over fairly early in the morning on Fat Tuesday, but there’s hours of entertainment to be had by wandering around the French Quarter appreciating the costumes on display. The city’s best brass bands play between the floats at the parades (if you want to see more local talent in a less-crowded atmosphere, Frenchmen Street has a string of jazz venues). For some much-needed down time, head for the relative tranquility of City Park, where you can decompress in the fantastic Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden . If you want to soak up the creativity and Mardi Gras atmosphere without any crowds at all, then a tour of the city’s house floats is an ideal compromise. With last year’s cancellation of official parades, locals took it upon themselves to pay homage to the season in a slightly different way—by adorning the fronts of their houses with even more elaborate and colorful decorations than usual. These houses became like stationary floats and were a point of pride for the dozens of artists and revelers that took part. People would organize self-guided tours, and they became such a success that a new tradition was born . Touring these delightful creations during the week is a perfect, crowd-free way to appreciate Mardi Gras. King Cake from Don Phuong Bakery  Sam Hanna Hot Tin Rooftop Bar Christian Horan Most Popular Where to stay for Mardi Gras St. Charles Avenue is the main route for many of the larger parades, and it's also home to one of the city’s best stays: The Pontchartrain Hotel oozes vintage style and boasts one of the best rooftop bars in the city. The Central Business District is also a good location for its proximity to both Uptown and Downtown events, and the neighborhood has properties for most budgets. Maison de la Luz , meanwhile, is setting the standard for luxury in town, while the newly opened Virgin Hotel New Orleans is a lively, and more affordable addition. High rollers might also want to look at the brand new Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans , or for a more value-forward stay, a characterful property such as The Troubadour . What to eat during Mardi Gras King Cake is the most highly sought-after seasonal confection in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. The best in the city are generally regarded to come from Don Phuong Bakery (a 20-minute drive out into the suburbs, where lines form early in the morning). Closer to the city center is Cake Cafe , and most bakeries and even grocery stores will have their own variations. Crawfish season will be in full swing all across the city come Mardi Gras, so try and find a boil to join and belly up to the communal table with your napkins—it’s a messily democratic way to eat, and a quintessential New Orleans experience. The list of the city’s best restaurants will see you in good stead, but be sure to make reservations well in advance for the more popular spots as tables will fill up quickly, just as the rest of the city does this time of year.
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By [Paul Oswell](https://www.cntraveler.com/contributor/paul-oswell) January 26, 2022 ![Mardi Gras festival Marching Band](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/61f0644cbe93438d3bcb8865/16:9/w_2560%2Cc_limit/New%2520Orleans%2520Mardi%2520Gras%2520festival%2520Marching%2520Band_GettyImages-469105382.jpg) Getty Save this story Save this story All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. After a de facto cancellation last year, [New Orleans](https://www.cntraveler.com/destinations/new-orleans)' Mardi Gras events are returning in 2022 with a full roster of parades reinstated. But with concerns about the Omicron variant still swirling and coronavirus infections at a record-high in the U.S. as carnival season kicks off in the Big Easy, what can visitors expect this year? Most venues, bars, and restaurants in New Orleans currently require a proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours to enter for anyone over five years of age, a policy that looks likely to be in place for all of Mardi Gras. Venues can operate at 100 percent capacity, and the festival is so far returning with almost all of the events that would take place in a regular year. One exception: All [Uptown parades have been shortened](https://uptownmessenger.com/2021/12/magazine-street-thoths-altruistic-route-left-out-of-carnival-2022-parade-changes) as a safety measure, with the main thoroughfare of Magazine Street no longer a part of any parade route. The city currently has an indoor masking mandate in place as well. [![IT'S TIME TO VOTE! \<br\> The 2026 Readers' Choice Awards Survey is here \<br\> Go even further for your travels. Just \<del\>\$2.50\</del\> \<strong\>\$1 per month\</strong\> for one year. \<br\> CTA: SUBSCRIBE NOW](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69c545ea9027a621f2119d87/original/pass/CNT_RCA%202026_IN_CONTENT_DT_V2_2x.jpg?format=original)](https://www.cntraveler.com/v2/offers/cnta01027?source=Site_0_JNY_CNT_DESKTOP_IN_CONTENT_0_US_QUICKPAY_TEST_2026_ZZ_PANELA) While the tourism-dependent city has seen a [high uptake of vaccinations](https://www.neworleans.com/blog/post/new-orleans-covid-safety) among residents, this does not address the fact that thousands of people from out of state flock to New Orleans every Mardi Gras—and this year, many are looking to make up for last year's lost Carnival season. Below, all your questions about New Orleans Mardi Gras 2022, answered. *All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.* ## When is Mardi Gras 2022? Mardi Gras, or ‘Fat Tuesday,' lands on March 1 this year. It’s a feast that marks the last day before the beginning of Lent and the build up to the Easter holiday. In New Orleans, a strong Catholic tradition combines with city-wide hedonism both on the day itself and in the weeks-long build up. Come Ash Wednesday, there’s a collective hangover and the city returns to its regular levels of decadence as crawfish fries replace King Cakes and costumes are returned to their closets until the next time there’s a reason to dress up. ### Intel Newsletter Get The Intel on all things travel with a weekly news round-up But the event season leading up to Mardi Gras goes on longer than you might think: Yes, the actual day of Mardi Gras is the liveliest Tuesday you’ll likely ever witness, but the Carnival ‘season’ that comes before always begins much earlier. Twelfth Night (January 6th this year) is always the traditional beginning of Mardi Gras celebrations with the first parades. Events slowly escalate until Fat Tuesday itself, but the celebrations can go on for anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on when Easter falls. This year Easter is relatively late, meaning there’s officially about seven weeks of Carnival. Parade frequency for 2022 ramps up around February 18th, and, as always, the weekend days before Mardi Gras (from the previous Thursday night through Fat Tuesday afternoon) are packed with events. ![Mardi Gras Parade with costumed people on balcony looking on](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/61f063a314715b6c92bc1e28/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Mardi%2520Gras%2520Parade%2520with%2520costumed%2520people%2520on%2520balcony%2520looking%2520on_GettyImages-938775558.jpg) Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans Getty ![Brass marching band leading the Knights of Hermes Ladies Day getting ready for Mardi Gras on 21st February 2020 in the...](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/61f063a7c101d1d3fd6ac250/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Brass%2520marching%2520band%2520leading%2520the%2520Knights%2520of%2520Hermes%2520%2522Ladies%2520Day%2522%2520getting%2520ready%2520for%2520Mardi%2520Gras%2520on%252021st%2520February%25202020%2520in%2520the%2520French%2520Quarter%2C%2520New%2520Orleans%2C%2520Louisiana_GettyImages-1223428893.jpg) Brass marching band getting ready for Mardi Gras Getty ## What you need to know about Mardi Gras parades To dispel a myth about the holiday, Mardi Gras is 99 percent free of people disrobing for plastic beads. You might see drunken revelers on Bourbon Street doing this, but locals typically celebrate in other ways. The parades, run by organizations called “krewes,” are one way, and there is a parade for everyone. The busiest are the large, official parades, where two or three krewes navigate large floats and toss out "throws," like beads, plastic cups, and toys. These official parades take place along St. Charles Avenue, or Orleans Avenue towards Canal Street downtown, with this year’s biggest including [Krewe of Endymion](https://endymion.org/) (February 26 at 4:15 p.m.), [Krewe of Bacchus](https://www.kreweofbacchus.org/) (February 27 at 5:15 p.m.), and [Krewe of Orpheus](https://www.kreweoforpheus.com/) (February 28 at 6 p.m.). Some other large parades, such as the [Zulu](http://www.kreweofzulu.com/) and [Rex](https://www.rexorganization.com/) Krewes', have been slightly shortened this year as a safety measure. At the opposite end of the parade spectrum are small, independent walking parades that are also fun to catch, with lots of hand-made throws. These will include an excellent parade of miniature floats by Krewe of [Tit Rex](https://titrexparade.com/) (February 13) and the Mardi Gras Day parades with [Skeleton Krewe](http://skeletonkrewe.com/), who walk into Jackson Square from Uptown, and [Krewe of St Anne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Saint_Anne), who walk to the Mississippi River in the Central Business District from the Bywater neighborhood around 8 a.m. There are various parade options between these extremes in scale: [Krewe of Barkus](https://www.thepamperedpup.com/barkus/) (February 20) is a fun dog parade with creative costumes, and Krewe of Chewbacchus (February 5) is a sci-fi themed parade. [Krewe de Vieux](https://www.kreweduvieux.org/) (February 12th), one of the only parades that passes through the French Quarter, is also the most adult in nature, with fairly graphic floats depicting politicians and celebrities. You can find the full menu of parades on the Mardi Gras New Orleans [official website](https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/), or download a [parade tracker app here](https://mardigrasparadetracker.com/). Most Popular - [![The Golden Rules of Packing](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69cec810ee69be2e874e58a5/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-golden-rules-of-packing#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) [The Golden Rules of Packing](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-golden-rules-of-packing#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) By Hannah Chubb - [![2026 Readers' Choice Awards Survey](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69b3106745e5ad64db56ffde/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/vote-readers-choice-awards#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) [2026 Readers' Choice Awards Survey](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/vote-readers-choice-awards#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) - [![This European Country Is Giving Away Five of Their 267,570 Islands—This Is How to Get One](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69d3b7fd162367d49e79e2fc/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/this-european-country-is-giving-away-five-of-their-267570-islands-this-is-how-to-get-one#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) [This European Country Is Giving Away Five of Their 267,570 Islands—This Is How to Get One](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/this-european-country-is-giving-away-five-of-their-267570-islands-this-is-how-to-get-one#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) By Connor Sturges - [![7 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the US, From Seattle to Brooklyn](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69d3dd33d337046abdf0d781/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-see-cherry-blossoms-in-the-us-from-seattle-to-brooklyn#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) [7 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the US, From Seattle to Brooklyn](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-see-cherry-blossoms-in-the-us-from-seattle-to-brooklyn#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) By Adele Chapin And while the vast majority of Mardi Gras events are very family-friendly, [Family Gras](https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/when-is-mardi-gras/family-gras) is a suburban event in Metairie, 10 minutes outside the city, that will take place on February 18 this year. The event includes a Kids' Court with face painting, interactive games, food stands and free outdoor concerts featuring both local and nationally recognized performers (past headliners include The Beach Boys, Cyndi Lauper, and The Monkees; this year’s talent has not yet been confirmed). ## What else to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras The main parades are over fairly early in the morning on Fat Tuesday, but there’s hours of entertainment to be had by wandering around the French Quarter appreciating the costumes on display. The city’s best brass bands play between the floats at the parades (if you want to see more local talent in a less-crowded atmosphere, Frenchmen Street has a string of jazz venues). For some much-needed down time, head for the relative tranquility of City Park, where you can decompress in the fantastic [Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden](https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/new-orleans/new-orleans/sydney-and-walda-besthoff-sculpture-garden). If you want to soak up the creativity and Mardi Gras atmosphere without any crowds at all, then a tour of the city’s [house floats](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/new-orleans-house-floats-are-keeping-mardi-gras-tradition-alive) is an ideal compromise. With last year’s cancellation of official parades, locals took it upon themselves to pay homage to the season in a slightly different way—by adorning the fronts of their houses with even more elaborate and colorful decorations than usual. These houses became like stationary floats and were a point of pride for the dozens of artists and revelers that took part. People would organize self-guided tours, and they became such a success that [a new tradition was born](https://www.kreweofhousefloats.org/). Touring these delightful creations during the week is a perfect, crowd-free way to appreciate Mardi Gras. ![King Cake](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/61f062c1c43ef397991bf276/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Don%2520Phuong%2520Bakery_Sam%2520Hanna_King%2520Cake-0021.jpg) King Cake from Don Phuong Bakery Sam Hanna ![Restaurant Cafe Furniture Chair Cafeteria Animal Mammal Cow Cattle and Couch](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/61f807d418b15fccca35e5ab/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Copy-of-HT---Interior---Christian-Horan\(2\).jpg) Hot Tin Rooftop Bar Christian Horan Most Popular - [![The Golden Rules of Packing](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69cec810ee69be2e874e58a5/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-golden-rules-of-packing#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) [The Golden Rules of Packing](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-golden-rules-of-packing#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) By Hannah Chubb - [![2026 Readers' Choice Awards Survey](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69b3106745e5ad64db56ffde/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/vote-readers-choice-awards#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) [2026 Readers' Choice Awards Survey](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/vote-readers-choice-awards#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) - [![This European Country Is Giving Away Five of Their 267,570 Islands—This Is How to Get One](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69d3b7fd162367d49e79e2fc/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/this-european-country-is-giving-away-five-of-their-267570-islands-this-is-how-to-get-one#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) [This European Country Is Giving Away Five of Their 267,570 Islands—This Is How to Get One](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/this-european-country-is-giving-away-five-of-their-267570-islands-this-is-how-to-get-one#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) By Connor Sturges - [![7 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the US, From Seattle to Brooklyn](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69d3dd33d337046abdf0d781/1:1/w_120%2Ch_120%2Cc_limit/undefined)](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-see-cherry-blossoms-in-the-us-from-seattle-to-brooklyn#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) [7 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the US, From Seattle to Brooklyn](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-see-cherry-blossoms-in-the-us-from-seattle-to-brooklyn#intcid=_cnt-right-rail_c8bf9ec3-a996-4127-9fbe-9ca49a6b0199_popular4-2) By Adele Chapin ## Where to stay for Mardi Gras St. Charles Avenue is the main route for many of the larger parades, and it's also home to one of the city’s best stays: The [Pontchartrain Hotel](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/the-pontchartrain) oozes vintage style and boasts one of the best rooftop bars in the city. The Central Business District is also a good location for its proximity to both Uptown and Downtown events, and the neighborhood has properties for most budgets. [Maison de la Luz](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/maison-de-la-luz), meanwhile, is setting the standard for luxury in town, while the newly opened [Virgin Hotel New Orleans](https://cna.st/affiliate-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) is a lively, and more affordable addition. High rollers might also want to look at the brand new [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/four-seasons-new-orleans), or for a more value-forward stay, a characterful property such as [The Troubadour](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/new-orleans/the-troubadour). ## What to eat during Mardi Gras King Cake is the most highly sought-after seasonal confection in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. The best in the city are generally regarded to come from [Don Phuong Bakery](https://www.dpbakery.com/) (a 20-minute drive out into the suburbs, where lines form early in the morning). Closer to the city center is [Cake Cafe](https://nolacakes.com/), and most bakeries and even grocery stores will have their own variations. Crawfish season will be in full swing all across the city come Mardi Gras, so try and find a boil to join and belly up to the communal table with your napkins—it’s a messily democratic way to eat, and a quintessential New Orleans experience. The list of the city’s [best restaurants](https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-07-20/where-to-eat-and-drink-in-new-orleans) will see you in good stead, but be sure to make reservations well in advance for the more popular spots as tables will fill up quickly, just as the rest of the city does this time of year. [![](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5a8d9efaab279b584685b2c4/1:1/w_90%2Cc_limit/pauloswell.jpeg)](https://www.cntraveler.com/contributor/paul-oswell) [Paul Oswell](https://www.cntraveler.com/contributor/paul-oswell) is a contributing writer for *Condé Nast Traveler.* He has been a travel writer and journalist since 1999, reporting from all seven continents for The *Guardian,* The Sunday *Times,* *Travel + Leisure,* and *Dorling Kindersley* travel guides, among many other publications. He edits the online travel magazine [Shandy](http://www.shandypockets.com/) ... [Read More](https://www.cntraveler.com/contributor/paul-oswell) Contributing Writer Topics[Destination Guides](https://www.cntraveler.com/tag/destination-guides)[News](https://www.cntraveler.com/tag/news)[Historic & Cultural Attractions](https://www.cntraveler.com/tag/historic-cultural-attractions)[Places to Stay](https://www.cntraveler.com/tag/places-to-stay) Recommended [![The Garden District Hotel](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69726601e2b858aa1c80a6ac/16:9/w_748%2Cc_limit/The%2520Garden%2520District%2520Hotel-New%2520Orleans-Garden-District-Hotel-Jess-Kearney-Sept-2025-214-pr.jpg)](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/the-garden-district-hotel) [The Garden District Hotel](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/the-garden-district-hotel) Head here to experience elevated Southern hospitality in a Lower Garden District setting with a swim-up bar in the back. [Read full review](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/the-garden-district-hotel) [![The Blackbird\&nbsp;Hotel](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69726080389d9901d50ffece/16:9/w_748%2Cc_limit/Blackbird-0999FF-New%2520Orleans-pr.jpg)](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/the-blackbird-hotel) [The Blackbird Hotel](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/the-blackbird-hotel) Old bones, local design, and a relaxing pool scene come together at this property in the Lower Garden District. [Read full review](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/the-blackbird-hotel) [View All New Orleans](https://www.cntraveler.com/category/hotel/new-orleans) [![New Orleans Travel Guide](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5a99a3ddafa6cb3864785c49/4:3/pass/NEW-ORLEANS_ExteriorNight-Buggy.jpg)](https://www.cntraveler.com/destinations/new-orleans) [New Orleans Travel Guide](https://www.cntraveler.com/destinations/new-orleans) Permission to eat, drink, and play all night—and sleep until you start again ### Get The Intel on all things travel with a weekly news round-up Intel Newsletter [![IT'S TIME TO VOTE! \<br\> The 2026 Readers' Choice Awards Survey is here \<br\> Go even further for your travels. 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Readable Markdown
All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. After a de facto cancellation last year, [New Orleans](https://www.cntraveler.com/destinations/new-orleans)' Mardi Gras events are returning in 2022 with a full roster of parades reinstated. But with concerns about the Omicron variant still swirling and coronavirus infections at a record-high in the U.S. as carnival season kicks off in the Big Easy, what can visitors expect this year? Most venues, bars, and restaurants in New Orleans currently require a proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours to enter for anyone over five years of age, a policy that looks likely to be in place for all of Mardi Gras. Venues can operate at 100 percent capacity, and the festival is so far returning with almost all of the events that would take place in a regular year. One exception: All [Uptown parades have been shortened](https://uptownmessenger.com/2021/12/magazine-street-thoths-altruistic-route-left-out-of-carnival-2022-parade-changes) as a safety measure, with the main thoroughfare of Magazine Street no longer a part of any parade route. The city currently has an indoor masking mandate in place as well. [![IT'S TIME TO VOTE! \<br\> The 2026 Readers' Choice Awards Survey is here \<br\> Go even further for your travels. Just \<del\>\$2.50\</del\> \<strong\>\$1 per month\</strong\> for one year. \<br\> CTA: SUBSCRIBE NOW](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/69c545ea9027a621f2119d87/original/pass/CNT_RCA%202026_IN_CONTENT_DT_V2_2x.jpg?format=original)](https://www.cntraveler.com/v2/offers/cnta01027?source=Site_0_JNY_CNT_DESKTOP_IN_CONTENT_0_US_QUICKPAY_TEST_2026_ZZ_PANELA) While the tourism-dependent city has seen a [high uptake of vaccinations](https://www.neworleans.com/blog/post/new-orleans-covid-safety) among residents, this does not address the fact that thousands of people from out of state flock to New Orleans every Mardi Gras—and this year, many are looking to make up for last year's lost Carnival season. Below, all your questions about New Orleans Mardi Gras 2022, answered. *All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.* ## When is Mardi Gras 2022? Mardi Gras, or ‘Fat Tuesday,' lands on March 1 this year. It’s a feast that marks the last day before the beginning of Lent and the build up to the Easter holiday. In New Orleans, a strong Catholic tradition combines with city-wide hedonism both on the day itself and in the weeks-long build up. Come Ash Wednesday, there’s a collective hangover and the city returns to its regular levels of decadence as crawfish fries replace King Cakes and costumes are returned to their closets until the next time there’s a reason to dress up. ### Intel Newsletter Get The Intel on all things travel with a weekly news round-up But the event season leading up to Mardi Gras goes on longer than you might think: Yes, the actual day of Mardi Gras is the liveliest Tuesday you’ll likely ever witness, but the Carnival ‘season’ that comes before always begins much earlier. Twelfth Night (January 6th this year) is always the traditional beginning of Mardi Gras celebrations with the first parades. Events slowly escalate until Fat Tuesday itself, but the celebrations can go on for anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on when Easter falls. This year Easter is relatively late, meaning there’s officially about seven weeks of Carnival. Parade frequency for 2022 ramps up around February 18th, and, as always, the weekend days before Mardi Gras (from the previous Thursday night through Fat Tuesday afternoon) are packed with events. ![Mardi Gras Parade with costumed people on balcony looking on](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/61f063a314715b6c92bc1e28/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Mardi%2520Gras%2520Parade%2520with%2520costumed%2520people%2520on%2520balcony%2520looking%2520on_GettyImages-938775558.jpg) Mardi Gras parade in New OrleansGetty ![Brass marching band leading the Knights of Hermes Ladies Day getting ready for Mardi Gras on 21st February 2020 in the...](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/61f063a7c101d1d3fd6ac250/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Brass%2520marching%2520band%2520leading%2520the%2520Knights%2520of%2520Hermes%2520%2522Ladies%2520Day%2522%2520getting%2520ready%2520for%2520Mardi%2520Gras%2520on%252021st%2520February%25202020%2520in%2520the%2520French%2520Quarter%2C%2520New%2520Orleans%2C%2520Louisiana_GettyImages-1223428893.jpg) Brass marching band getting ready for Mardi GrasGetty ## What you need to know about Mardi Gras parades To dispel a myth about the holiday, Mardi Gras is 99 percent free of people disrobing for plastic beads. You might see drunken revelers on Bourbon Street doing this, but locals typically celebrate in other ways. The parades, run by organizations called “krewes,” are one way, and there is a parade for everyone. The busiest are the large, official parades, where two or three krewes navigate large floats and toss out "throws," like beads, plastic cups, and toys. These official parades take place along St. Charles Avenue, or Orleans Avenue towards Canal Street downtown, with this year’s biggest including [Krewe of Endymion](https://endymion.org/) (February 26 at 4:15 p.m.), [Krewe of Bacchus](https://www.kreweofbacchus.org/) (February 27 at 5:15 p.m.), and [Krewe of Orpheus](https://www.kreweoforpheus.com/) (February 28 at 6 p.m.). Some other large parades, such as the [Zulu](http://www.kreweofzulu.com/) and [Rex](https://www.rexorganization.com/) Krewes', have been slightly shortened this year as a safety measure. At the opposite end of the parade spectrum are small, independent walking parades that are also fun to catch, with lots of hand-made throws. These will include an excellent parade of miniature floats by Krewe of [Tit Rex](https://titrexparade.com/) (February 13) and the Mardi Gras Day parades with [Skeleton Krewe](http://skeletonkrewe.com/), who walk into Jackson Square from Uptown, and [Krewe of St Anne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Saint_Anne), who walk to the Mississippi River in the Central Business District from the Bywater neighborhood around 8 a.m. There are various parade options between these extremes in scale: [Krewe of Barkus](https://www.thepamperedpup.com/barkus/) (February 20) is a fun dog parade with creative costumes, and Krewe of Chewbacchus (February 5) is a sci-fi themed parade. [Krewe de Vieux](https://www.kreweduvieux.org/) (February 12th), one of the only parades that passes through the French Quarter, is also the most adult in nature, with fairly graphic floats depicting politicians and celebrities. You can find the full menu of parades on the Mardi Gras New Orleans [official website](https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/), or download a [parade tracker app here](https://mardigrasparadetracker.com/). Most Popular And while the vast majority of Mardi Gras events are very family-friendly, [Family Gras](https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/when-is-mardi-gras/family-gras) is a suburban event in Metairie, 10 minutes outside the city, that will take place on February 18 this year. The event includes a Kids' Court with face painting, interactive games, food stands and free outdoor concerts featuring both local and nationally recognized performers (past headliners include The Beach Boys, Cyndi Lauper, and The Monkees; this year’s talent has not yet been confirmed). ## What else to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras The main parades are over fairly early in the morning on Fat Tuesday, but there’s hours of entertainment to be had by wandering around the French Quarter appreciating the costumes on display. The city’s best brass bands play between the floats at the parades (if you want to see more local talent in a less-crowded atmosphere, Frenchmen Street has a string of jazz venues). For some much-needed down time, head for the relative tranquility of City Park, where you can decompress in the fantastic [Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden](https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/new-orleans/new-orleans/sydney-and-walda-besthoff-sculpture-garden). If you want to soak up the creativity and Mardi Gras atmosphere without any crowds at all, then a tour of the city’s [house floats](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/new-orleans-house-floats-are-keeping-mardi-gras-tradition-alive) is an ideal compromise. With last year’s cancellation of official parades, locals took it upon themselves to pay homage to the season in a slightly different way—by adorning the fronts of their houses with even more elaborate and colorful decorations than usual. These houses became like stationary floats and were a point of pride for the dozens of artists and revelers that took part. People would organize self-guided tours, and they became such a success that [a new tradition was born](https://www.kreweofhousefloats.org/). Touring these delightful creations during the week is a perfect, crowd-free way to appreciate Mardi Gras. ![King Cake](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/61f062c1c43ef397991bf276/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Don%2520Phuong%2520Bakery_Sam%2520Hanna_King%2520Cake-0021.jpg) King Cake from Don Phuong BakerySam Hanna ![Restaurant Cafe Furniture Chair Cafeteria Animal Mammal Cow Cattle and Couch](https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/61f807d418b15fccca35e5ab/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/Copy-of-HT---Interior---Christian-Horan\(2\).jpg) Hot Tin Rooftop BarChristian Horan Most Popular ## Where to stay for Mardi Gras St. Charles Avenue is the main route for many of the larger parades, and it's also home to one of the city’s best stays: The [Pontchartrain Hotel](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/the-pontchartrain) oozes vintage style and boasts one of the best rooftop bars in the city. The Central Business District is also a good location for its proximity to both Uptown and Downtown events, and the neighborhood has properties for most budgets. [Maison de la Luz](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/maison-de-la-luz), meanwhile, is setting the standard for luxury in town, while the newly opened [Virgin Hotel New Orleans](https://cna.st/affiliate-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) is a lively, and more affordable addition. High rollers might also want to look at the brand new [Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/four-seasons-new-orleans), or for a more value-forward stay, a characterful property such as [The Troubadour](https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-orleans/new-orleans/the-troubadour). ## What to eat during Mardi Gras King Cake is the most highly sought-after seasonal confection in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. The best in the city are generally regarded to come from [Don Phuong Bakery](https://www.dpbakery.com/) (a 20-minute drive out into the suburbs, where lines form early in the morning). Closer to the city center is [Cake Cafe](https://nolacakes.com/), and most bakeries and even grocery stores will have their own variations. Crawfish season will be in full swing all across the city come Mardi Gras, so try and find a boil to join and belly up to the communal table with your napkins—it’s a messily democratic way to eat, and a quintessential New Orleans experience. The list of the city’s [best restaurants](https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-07-20/where-to-eat-and-drink-in-new-orleans) will see you in good stead, but be sure to make reservations well in advance for the more popular spots as tables will fill up quickly, just as the rest of the city does this time of year.
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