Welcome to Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras 2023 promises a lineup of parades and events that will have first-time revelers in awe! With all the excitement going on, it’s easy to get confused with when and where exactly these festivities are taking place, considering they change every year. But among all the special events on the calendar, there are a few notable highlights that will surely be on everyone’s attendance list. From extravagant floats to huge cheering crowds, these parades won’t disappoint. So make sure you reach the starting point of each parade on time to join in on this year’s Mardi Gras experience!
Krewe of Endymion – Saturday, February 18th at 4:00PM
The Krewe of Endymion takes pride in its thousands-strong ridership and overwhelming supply of throws. Endymion is also the only major parade to roll through New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood, so expect to encounter block parties and barbecues on every street. While these parties should always be considered private, they contribute joyous community energy to this massive parade.
Krewe of Bacchus – Sunday, February 19th at 5:15PM
The Krewe of Bacchus staged its first parade in the 1960s with the intent of providing a more accessible Carnival spectacle for parade-goers from near and far. They accomplished this by inviting nationally recognized celebrities to reign as their king and investing in towering three-dimensional floats that were visible to huge crowds. These “super floats” include Bacchus mainstays like the Bacchagator and the Bacchasaurus.
Fun Fact:
The Bacchagator float consists of three separate sections, measures 105 feet in length, and accommodates 86 riders!
Krewe of Orpheus – Monday, February 20th at 6:00PM
The musically themed Krewe of Orpheus rolled their first parade relatively recently, in 1993. The Krewe’s special throws are highly prized among Mardi Gras revelers, some of which include 4ft long stuffed dragons and Orpheus medallion beads. Ticket sales for their post-parade black-tie party at the Convention Center are open to the public – which is a fantastic way to end a festive day. So if a good time is what you’re after, don’t miss out on the Krewe of Orpheus and grab your tickets to the party now!
Krewe of Zulu & Rex – Tuesday, February 21st
Fat Tuesday is finally here! Make sure to note that Mardi Gras Day’s iconic parades roll EARLY. All of the parades on Mardi Gras Day are over by mid-afternoon at the latest. Plan accordingly
Krewe of Zulu at 8:00AM
The Krewe of Zulu is the New Orleans Black community’s most prominent festival organization. For over 100 years, the Krewe of Zulu’s Mardi Gras parade has dazzled viewers with its exotic costumes and theatrical processions. Their signature throw, a gold-painted coconut, is perhaps the most prized Mardi Gras throw of all. Beginning at 8 am on February 21st, the Zulu parade takes the St. Charles route to Poydras Street, before turning onto Basin Street and proceeding through the Treme on Orleans Avenue.
Krewe of Rex at 11:00AM
The Krewe of Rex, founded all the way back in 1872, embodies the ceremonial culmination of the Carnival season. Over the course of 150 years, Rex has initiated many of Mardi Gras’ most longstanding traditions. Each year, the Krewe of Rex selects one of their members to reign as Rex, King of Carnival. Once the parade has arrived downtown via the St. Charles parade route, Rex receives a ceremonial key to the city from the mayor.
Learn Local History
Uncover the vibrant history of New Orleans with a French Quarter walking tour! From centuries-old architecture to stories passed down through generations, you’ll be immersed in all that the city’s oldest neighborhood has to offer. Not only will you learn about its origins, but also gain insight into how Mardi Gras Krewes are still being celebrated today by many descendants of original residents – making this experience one not soon forgotten!
New Orleans has a centuries-long history that reaches much farther than the lively party atmosphere of the French Quarter. A peek into the city’s class and sophistication can be found in the Garden District, which boasts impressive mansions that were once home to some of New Orleans’ most successful merchants and leaders from its heyday of river-based trade. Immerse yourself in this beautiful neighborhood with a Garden District walking tour and get an exclusive insight, into why these grandiose homes are some of the best sights along the Mardi Gras parade route. Experience it all for yourself and book your French Quarter tour and Garden District walking tours today – you won’t regret it!
