Mardi Gras New Orleans 2025

If you've never experienced or attended a Mardi Gras celebration, you're in for something truly extraordinary! Join us this year and be part of these marvelous festivities!

French explorers celebrated the first American Mardi Gras back in 1699. The event grew over the centuries, becoming a public festival with parades, masquerades, and revelry by the 19th century. The first official parade rolled in 1837, and the tradition of krewes (social organizations that organize parades and balls) began in 1857.

The first krewe, Comus, is considered the first formal Mardi Gras organization. Krewes planned and funded the parades, designed floats, and coordinated the throwing of trinkets (like beads, coins, and cups) to the crowd. They also organized exclusive balls, some of which were highly secretive. Each krewe has its traditions, including choosing a king and queen, creating specific themes for floats, and holding royal coronations.

The iconic Mardi Gras colors—purple, green, and gold—were officially adopted in 1872 by the Krewe of Rex in honor of the visit of the Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff. The three colors have symbolic meanings: purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold symbolizes power. The colors are used on everything from the floats to costumes!

Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans are city-wide, with parades, parties, and other festivities across numerous venues. The French Quarter, especially Bourbon Street, is perhaps the most iconic location during Mardi Gras, with other popular spots including Canal Street, the Treme neighborhood, and the Warehouse District."

The Mardi Gras 2025 festivities will start on January 6 (Twelfth Night) and end on Mardi Gras Day, or Fat Tuesday, March 4th. This marks the end of the Carnival season just before Ash Wednesday.

What to Expect When Attending Mardi Gras New Orleans 2025

Mardi Gras is all about community, culture, and fun! Be ready to experience the unique spirit of New Orleans, where everyone—locals and visitors—gathers to enjoy the festivities.

The King Cake is a fascinating and beloved symbol of Mardi Gras! This traditional treat is a ring-shaped pastry adorned in the iconic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. Hidden inside the cake is a small baby figurine! The person who finds the baby is said to enjoy good luck and is also responsible for bringing the King Cake for next year’s Mardi Gras!

Expect many parades, with krewes organizing extravagant floats that roll down major streets like St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. These parades feature grand marshals, elaborate costumes, and many throws aimed at the crowds.

Food is a significant part of the Mardi Gras celebration. Expect to find street vendors selling king cakes, gumbo, po’boys, and other local treats.

As part of the celebrations, you'll see the Mardi Gras Indians, a group of African American New Orleanians who create elaborate costumes inspired by Native American culture. They parade through the streets, singing and dancing in their stunning and ornate costumes. You can hear music everywhere, with jazz, brass bands, and street performers adding to the festive ambiance.

You can expect pleasant days but chilly evenings! Daytime highs will hover around 60-70°F (15-21°C), but the nights can get cold, with temperatures dipping into the 40s or 50s°F (4-10°C). Bring a jacket or a sweater to stay warm, and enjoy!

The event is free to attend!

Security Protocols

• Security personnel will be present along the venue to prevent overcrowding and keep everyone safe.
• First aid stations are available throughout the festival area in case of an emergency.
• Bag checks are conducted at entry points.
• Prohibited items include large bags or backpacks and dangerous objects.

How to Get To or From the Event

Here are some convenient ways to reach the event:

• Streetcars: New Orleans’ historic streetcar system is a great option, especially the St. Charles Avenue Line, which runs near major parade routes and attractions. Other lines include the Canal Street and Riverfront lines, though expect them to be crowded during peak festival days.
• Bus: The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates bus routes that reach many parts of the city. Due to parades and street closures, temporary changes or delays are expected, so check the RTA website for updates.

Mardi Gras New Orleans 2025 Bag Policy

All bags are subject to search, and large bags and backpacks are prohibited. The event doesn't have a storage service where you can leave belongings.

If you're traveling with luggage, Bounce has a solution for you.

We partner with trusted local businesses worldwide and provide travelers with safe places to leave their bags and enjoy the events.

Feel free to reach out to us anytime through the Bounce website or mobile app, and we’ll respond right away!

Mardi Gras New Orleans 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bag With Bounce and Have a Joyful Experience

A Bounce partner is here to help.

Pick a location in New Orleans and contact a Bounce partner to help you find a place to store your belongings. The price for storing your luggage in this city is just $4.10 per day. We offer you complete support 24/7, no cancellation fee, and with $10,000 in Bounce SHIELD protection.

How to Stow Your Bag at Mardi Gras New Orleans With Bounce

• Find the location that suits you, contact the Bounce partner, and pay online.
• Go to that location and show your confirmation to leave your bags.
• Visit the Festival and enjoy!

How to Make the Most Out of Mardi Gras New Orleans 2025

• Enjoy different parades: Check out the schedule and route for each parade, and plan to be a part of as many as you can! Some parades, like Endymion, Bacchus, and Rex, are incredibly popular! Pick a prime viewing spot for these!
• Dress up in a costume: Why not wear a costume to fully embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras? Many shops in the French Quarter sell unique costumes, masks, and wigs!
• Taste Mandi Gras food: Be sure to try out the King Cake, but leave enough room to taste different delicacies, such as Beignets. Cajun and Creole flavors dominate the culinary scene. Also, many bars and restaurants offer Mardi Gras-themed drinks, including the classic Hurricane cocktail.

Come to New Orleans and store your luggage with Bounce! Have fun surrounded by colorful costumes, tasty treats, great music, and a true presentation of one unique culture!