Mardi Gras 2024 In New Orleans: What To Know Before You Go - Nolafi.com (2024)

FAQs

What to know about Mardi Gras 2024? ›

Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 13 in 2024, with the legendary Krewe of Zulu being the first to roll at 8 am. However, there are many parades scheduled to roll before the big day. Check the Mardi Gras New Orleans website for the full listing of all parades.

New Orleans has a warm, humid climate, so pack light, airy clothes that you won't mind getting a little sweaty in. Also, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking in the French Quarter. And don't forget to pack a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun!

The Basics of Mardi Gras

Every year, Mardi Gras season begins on Twelfth Night, which is January 6. Twelfth Night represents the Christian holy day of the Epiphany. The season, which represents a time of celebration before Christian Lent, lasts until Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is February 13, 2024.

Public urination during Mardi Gras breaks the law in New Orleans. You can face severe consequences for urinating in the trees along parade routes or any other public areas. You can find some public restrooms along the routes of day parades, especially near Lafayette Square.

Mardi Gras Day - also known as Fat Tuesday - marks the final day of Carnival Season! It is always the day before Ash Wednesday, and is the biggest day of celebration during Mardi Gras. Zulu and Rex parades roll, but other parties and city-wide celebrations occur as well.

Mardi Gras, festive day celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), which marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence.

Cash is king anywhere, and ATMs are plentiful throughout the city (including inside many bars and souvenir shops). Expect a $2.50 to $4.00 charge to use an ATM outside your network.

Walking alone at night

Bourbon Street is best explored after sunset, as its many bars, nightclubs, and live music joints stay open until the early morning. However, walking alone at night often invites opportunistic criminals looking for unsuspecting victims.

Travel Costs Overview When planning your New Orleans adventure, anticipate an average daily expense of around $190. This includes meals averaging $40 per day, with a single meal at a casual dining spot around $15. Local transportation, including the iconic streetcars and occasional taxis, will cost about $45 daily.

A krewe is, simply, a club or organization that exists to celebrate Carnival. But while a krewe has royalty, the positions of king and queen are merely ceremonial. The identities of the queen and her maids are usually public, while the identities of kings are often secret—Rex being a notable exception.

Why can't you pick up beads in New Orleans? ›

Don't Pick Up Throws Off the Ground

It is rumored that it is bad luck to pick up beads from the floor. On the realistic side, the ground in New Orleans during Mardi Gras especially is not the place where you want to pick up throws from. Even if they are in tacked and great throws.

Saturating the scene on Bourbon Street are plastic beads, handed or tossed to partygoers as a kind of currency. Some bare their breasts or offer booze in exchange for the tokens; others catch them in the air and wear the layers around their necks.

But, as any New Orleanian knows, you don't have to do anything special to get beads during Carnival. Just stand in one place along the parade route during the two weeks before Fat Tuesday and you will likely get hit in the head with plastic beads, stuffed animals, or light-up necklaces.

Have cash if you want to eat out in New Orleans. Some places take cards, but many only take cash. And it's not fun to eat dinner, go to pay and then be told “no cards” when that's all you have.

Most places take Credit Cards however a few are only cash only.. Check with your bank or look online to see if there are branches or ATMs in New Orleans if you need to get cash during your stay. There are some 99 cent ATMs in the Quarter if you need cash.

Keeping your wits about you is an important New Orleans safety tip, regardless of where you are. Overindulging leaves you open to being taken advantage of. In general, avoid walking alone in dark or deserted areas and always be aware of your surroundings. Common sense is your biggest ally.

Forgetting About Pickpockets in New Orleans

New Orleans has its fair share of pickpockets — especially in the French Quarter — so don't make yourself a target. That means keeping wallets and purses nice and secure, so not in your back pocket or poking out of bags and backpacks.