A French-influenced party town in the U.S.: Experience New Orleans’ Mardi Gras culture this February!

Let’s chat about the origins of New Orleans and its more-than-festive relationship with Mardi Gras. 

The date goes back to 1702 when French Canadian explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville established ‘Fort Louis de la Louisiane’, following their first American Mardi Gras celebration on March 3, 1699. After this small celebration, they named this specific spot (which was officially established as New Orleans in 1718) Point du Mardi Gras in the state of Louisiana. What evolved after this was an increasing evolution of the holiday from the 1730s onwards as other French settlers began to host street celebrations. Such celebrations involved masqued balls (1940s), official social clubs or organisations (1781), torch-lit krewes parades (1830s), ‘throws’ (1870s), the establishment of official holiday colours: purple (justice), gold (power), and green (faith) (1872), amounting to the recognition of Mardi Gras as an official Louisiana state holiday in 1875. 

Now let’s take a step back. There may have been a few words you’re curious to know more about, such as “krewes” or “throws” - both New Orleans Mardi Gras specific terms. 

When it comes to krewes, these are simply created groups of people in matching costumes who gather (typically as a musical band) in the spirit of Mardi Gras, hosting a parade for the public. Originally, these groups of people remained incognito by wearing festive masks to hide their identity for professional reasons. The first notorious krewe founded was the Mistick Krewe of Comus (a secret society of businessmen) who organised the first official Mardi Gras parade in 1856. Nowadays, these masks are a part of widespread traditional outfits worn by the crowds, whilst krewes are no longer in the obligation to be incognito. 

As for throws, these refer to one of New Orleans’ most prestigious Carnival events, whereby groups of floats (large festive moving vehicles parading the streets) carry groups of costumed party goers who throw colourful beaded necklaces to the cheering crowds. 

Although parades are organised all throughout the year leading up to and after the 13th of February, this year’s Mardi Gras Day schedule is jam-packed to say the least. With nine parades from eight different krewes, in four different areas of New Orleans (city centre and greater area), you are guaranteed to experience your most exciting Mardi Gras yet! 

Whilst the Metairie and Uptown parade locations (who travel the main streets closest to the city centre) host six krewes from 8:00 AM onwards, the Covington and Folsom locations are accessible for those living on the Northern side of the Lake Pontchartrain and offer a more family friendly alternative with lighter crowds. Regardless of which parade you choose to go for, a ton of fun is guaranteed!  

To find out more about this year’s parade schedule and their itineraries, check out their official website here!