Mardi Gras is a hectic time especially for those not from the city. When you are a visitor, there is so much to see, do and experience, it is difficult to get your bearings.
You can easily get swept away in the chaos of the holiday. This holiday is all about the sensory overload. But I implore you to seek out some of the lesser known Mardi Gras traditions while in our fair city. Most of these suggestions are free, so take advantage of them. These items are not listed in any order, but all of them are equally as fun. Now some of these recommendations will be easy to do and some will take some skill, so take notes and good luck.
8) Moms Ball
If you can get an entrée to the Moms Ball, by all means go. Tickets to this exclusive costume ball are very hard to come by and the entire event is cloaked in secrecy. First and foremost, you need a costume to get into the event (or in some cases lack of one). You have to be a member or invited by a member to go and the Moms Ball is just one of those parties that you have to experience for yourself. But I promise you after you attend, you will never be the same again. It is truly debauchery at its best. http://www.momsball.com/
7) Krewe of St. Ann Second Line
Second line behind the Krewe of St. Ann Parade on Mardi Gras morning. This once in a lifetime thrill is free and there is no other exhilarating feeling then being in costume and letting the music guide your way. Starting in the Bywater winding its way through the Marigny and into the Quarter, this walking krewe is known for its elaborate costumes https://tbimauritius.com. Beginning in 1969, the marchers’ final destination is Canal Street to toast Rex, the King of Carnival, and then return back into the Quarter for more merriment.
6)Bourbon Street Awards show
Considered the “Best Free Show of Mardi Gras” the 50th Annual Bourbon Street Awards show is set for Mardi Gras day, March 4th at 12noon. This is the ultimate costume contest in the heart of the French Quarter and probably the place you will witness some of the most phenomenal outfits. Brought to you by Oz New Orleans and Ambush Magazine, this costume contest touts the finest in many categories such as Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. Celebrity emcees will feature the talents of current RuPaul Drag Race Contestant Bianca Del Rio and Oz’s own Blanche Debris.
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5) Zulu Lundi Gras Festival
The day before Fat Tuesday has become just as popular as the holiday itself. One of the most enjoyable (and free) entertainment experience happen from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Woldenberg Park with the Zulu Lundi Gras Festival. The event is put together by the 600 plus members of the Zulu Social and Pleasure Club and features food, arts, crafts and music from both local and Grammy Award winning performers on three stages.
4) The Arrival of the King of Rex
Keeping with the Lundi Gras celebrations, you have to witness the arrival of the King of Rex at Spanish Plaza. This is an age old tradition as the King of Rex arrives by boat at approximately 6 p.m. to herald in the Mardi Gras festivities. The Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk hosts this event which includes musical acts all day and a fireworks show. This is yet another free happening open to the public.
3) Catch a Parade or 2 or 10
Catch a parade. No matter Uptown, Downtown or in Suburbia, you will never look at a parade in the same way again once you experience a New Orleans one. Our parades are interactive entertainment that keeps you literally moving at all times; either you are catching the multitude of throws or dodging them. But it is more than the fun items tossed from the floats; it is the bands that have you literally dancing in the streets or the sheer pageantry of these whimsical moving art forms. And all parade are put on for the enjoyment of the city and completely free.
2) Attend a Mardi Gras Ball
It’s all about the ball and all, darling. Mardi Gras is just as much about heritage and history as it is about frivolity. If you have the opportunity to attend one of the balls of a Mardi Gras krewe then you definitely take advantage of it. All of these parties are black tie, some you need invitations to and some you are invited as a guest. They range from giant throw down extravaganzas like Orpheus and Endymion to more stoic like Rex. There are also gay Carnival Balls which have more elaborate costumes and are very theatrical, making an unforgettable experience (Krewe of Armeinius: March 1, Lords of Leather: March 2). You can buy tickets to view many of these balls on their Krewe’s websites.
1) Walk on Bourbon Street
Now there are so many people who will scream at this suggestion because they say all people see is flashing boobs or other body parts and that is not what real Mardi Gras is like. I get it, but you have to stroll through once and just experience the sheer madness of the crowds and see what all the hoopla is about. Besides after the fifth time you are exposed to a bare breast, you become a little unfazed by them. This is not for the lighthearted; there are large crowds and naked naughty bits, but Mardi Gras is about overindulgence before the Lenten season.
Last thing I would like you to remember about Mardi Gras, it is for you, so enjoy the celebration to its fullest. Dance on the streets, dress in costume, scream for beads, whatever you want to do, do not hold back. Keeping in mind, people have camera phones, be aware that the actions you do down here may be for the enjoyment of millions of Facebook viewers tomorrow. Are kidding aside, Mardi Gras is all about history, pageantry and revelry and everyone in our city wants you to have a great time while you are here. Why wouldn’t we, all New Orleanians are the host of one of the largest parties on the planet. And in the South, we take our duties for hosting a party very seriously. Have fun!