9 Things To Know Before Your First Mardi Gras, According To A Local

As anyone who’s lived in Louisiana knows, Mardi Gras is always a special time. Kids get a week off from school, neighborhoods are overflowing with parades, and dessert is almost always king cake. Our lively festivities are recognized all over the world, which is why for many of you, celebrating Mardi Gras in the Big Easy is high on your bucket list (as it should be!). I’ve been to my fair share of parades, and I can honestly say it’s worth the journey. If you’re recent to the large-than-life celebration that is Mardi Gras, I want to share with you my tips and tricks for a successful and enjoyable parade experience. Keep these nine things in mind, and you’ll be golden (and purple and green).

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Go Uptown

First-timers tend to gravitate towards Bourbon and Canal Street, but if you want to be where the locals are (and trust me, you probably do) head Uptown. It’s just as festive but often much more tame and family-friendly. Most parades in Uptown stroll down St. Charles Avenue, so try to find a spot in the vicinity of Napoleon Avenue and Louisiana Avenue, which run perpendicular to St. Charles.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Getting dressed up for Mardi Gras is all part of the fun, but when it comes to shoes, it’s best to wear a pair you don’t mind getting a little muddy. Parade grounds can get messy, and with all the walking you’ll do, you’ll be glad you swapped your chic boots for comfy sneakers.

Be Near A Good Bathroom

Portable restrooms can be…unpredictable, especially during Mardi Gras. So you’ll want to plan your parade strategy around having access to a quality bathroom. Pro tip: Snap up a spot near a school. Many schools, like the St. Stephen Catholic School on Napoleon Avenue, sell wristbands to operate their facilities.

Bring A Chair

There’s a lot more waiting around than most first-timers prepare for, so consider bringing (or buying) a folding chair. You’ll want to save your energy for when the parade rolls through!

Dress In Layers

Contrary to popular belief, Louisiana can get pretty chilly. And then it can get warm, and then chilly again. That’s why it’s always a good idea to bring a jacket, hat, and gloves to be protected.

Keep Valuables Close (Or Leave Them At Home)

Like in any crowded area, pickpocketing can occur. Avoid bringing backpacks and purses, and opt for a crossbody bag instead. (But feel free to bring an empty tote bag to collect your Mardi Gras throws!)

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Travel In Groups

It’s always good to travel in pairs or groups when navigating Mardi Gras crowds. While it’s a good idea to operate your device to share your location with your group, cell-phone service can be spotty, so pick a designated meetup point just in case the group gets separated.

Never Buy Beads

You’ll hit the jackpot of free beads once the parade begins, so if anyone tries to sell you overpriced beads, just turn the other way.

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Practice Float Safety

You’ve probably seen unfortunate headlines about Mardi Gras accidents before. While accidents can happen, many are avoidable. Engaging in straightforward parade safety, like staying behind the barricades, not throwing items at float riders, and avoiding crossing the street when the parade is passing, can make all the difference.