This year was by far the best Mardi Gras I have ever been to. First, we had no kids!! So we got to enjoy it completely. Second, we went to Lafayette instead of New Orleans so it was a calmer crowd. We got to enjoy 4 different parades, we ate king cake and got to watch Wayne Toups.
Mardi Gras originated in Alabama, I didn’t know that!! We lived in Baton Rouge for 5 years and took the kids to parades but I spent most of the time catering to them. That is why this year was so great! They are grown now with children of their own and we are choosing to have an active fun year!!
We enjoyed people watching, such a variety of people attend Mardi Gras. In Louisiana, schools are closed on Fat Tuesday. We met a lot of fun people from Cajun to Creole a local said to me “any reason to party and we are there”. They seem to thrive on being a state who loves to party!
This man was wearing “breasts” and apparently, everyone loved it because he wracked up with beads!!
Even Elvis was there enjoying the fun!!
This was a news crew who set up right in front of us to broadcast the parades.
What I learned was must haves:
Sunscreen
Water
Snack
Cooler
Step Stool
Comfy Shoes
Comfy Clothes
Bring a bag for beads
What Not To Do:
Arrive late, parking was horrible
Go alone, people who live there know the ins and outs
Get drunk, you will miss out on so much
Get too hot
Do not go toward the end of the parade, head to the front or middle
Oh wow, how fun. I’ve never been to a Mardi Gras celebration before so I really enjoyed your photos.
I concur with all of these. For SURE don’t get drunk. That ruins everything if you’re not 22 and willing to flash for beads.
These are all great tips. Mardi Gras is an awesome time, but only if you know what to do. Tips like these can help keep it fun instead of a nightmare.
LOL, I love these and it’s true, we can’t party like you used to! Hahah!
That looked so fun! I haven’t been to a Mardi Gras parade. These are great tips.
I wish I experienced this! I love parades and meeting other people. I will keep in mind your tips becaus eI can use it on other events too.
I have never been there to see it in person nor did I get to eat this famous King Cake, which I have to someday. I have been to a celebration in Ybor Florida called the Gasperlla. That was fun!
I am hoping to go to Mardi Gras next year. Thanks for the great tips. I will have to save this and read it again before I go.
Glad you enjoyed your travel. Sometimes it’s nice to travel without kids. lol. Your tips are really helpful 🙂
I have always been curious about the Mardi Gras celebration. We haven’t celebrated it the past. It sounds like you had a bunch of fun without the kids which is always a bonus too.
I’ve always wanted to visit Mardi Gras, I’ve heard it’s quite the event. Great tips I’m sure they’ll have in handy for me one day!
I have never celebrated Mardi Gras before. However, it looks and sounds and fun, nonetheless!
Definitely shouldn’t arrive late!! We don’t really celebrate Mardi Gras, as I’m from Indiana. It looks and sounds fun, tho.
My town has a parade and I am sad that I missed it this year! I will have to make sure to add it to my calendar next time.
I’m not a Mardi Gra kind of girl. These are excellent tips for those who are.
I only see Mardi Gras being celebrated in school here. I have never seen one being done by the whole city.
Unbelievable, I’ve never gotten to go. Hopefully, one year soon. Great tips. I can imagine being excited about going but forgetting ? common sense ? things like sunscreen. Cute picture with Elvis.
Mardi Gras is on my bucket list and I hope to attend next year. Thanks for the great tips. – yolonda