What should I know before going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans?

Know the new parade rules. The New Orleans City Council passed new Mardi Gras parade rules in early 2014. Be sure you know them before you head out to the parades to avoid tickets, and to avoid bringing a bunch of stuff that you'll just have to move later. read more

While Mardi Gras has a somewhat seedy reputation, that misconception is largely fueled by drunken and misbehaved tourists unaccustomed to New Orleans’ special brand of partying. First off, Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday” is actually just one day, the culmination of a month-long Carnival Season. read more

During Mardi Gras, and especially at night before/during/after the parades, the streets are going to be covered in trash, vomit, and unidentifiable grossness. Then, the sidewalks/gutters will be flooded to wash most of it away. read more

10. Carnival is a season; Mardi Gras is a day. Sure, we all do it. “Yea, I’m going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras!” we say, when we’re actually going to see parades the weekend before Mardi Gras, or the weekend before that. read more