Mardi Gras... Is it worth it?

[Shiba]

Have an opportunity to pick up a RCI trade for Mardi Gras. I've always been enamored with the idea of experiencing Mardi Gras, but is it worth it? I anticipate lots of crowds, high probability of intoxicated individuals, good food, and look forward to the parade. For those who have gone before was it worth it to experience it, would you go again or would it be better to experience New Orleans at a different time of the year?

 

[Passepartout]

Have an opportunity to pick up a RCI trade for Mardi Gras. I've always been enamored with the idea of experiencing Mardi Gras, but is it worth it? I anticipate lots of crowds, high probability of intoxicated individuals, good food, and look forward to the parade. For those who have gone before was it worth it to experience it, would you go again or would it be better to experience New Orleans at a different time of the year?

Your 'anticipation' is pretty much right on. (imo) New Orleans is not at it's best during Mardi Gras, but that's a judgement call. I've done it there and in other cities. It's probably an experience to add to your well-rounded travel portfolio, but I can't say that my life would have missed something if I hadn't. And I have no intention of doing it again. If you DO attend, be aware of your surroundings, beware of over-imbibing, and enjoy the atmosphere.

 

[easyrider]

We liked New Orleans but I think its a one and done for us.

Bill

 

[SusanRN]

I've been to NO many times and enjoyed each trip immensely. So much great music, food, and even history. Never went to Mardi Gras, however. I used to have a TS on Royal Street for week 52. Sold it in 2019.
Ron Parise was always the New Orleans expert here on TUG. I just sent a PM asking if he wants to join this thread....[or not?].
Susan

 

[chapjim]

I have mixed feelings about Mardi Gras in N.O. I'd like to see it but I don't want to be there for it.

 

[TheHolleys87]

I grew up in NOLA, and the high point for Mardi Gras for me was in the mid-1960s when my BFFs and I were allowed to go to Canal St. on Mardi Gras without adults. The joy of seeing parades from the street has faded for me now, and the last few times I’ve been fortunate to view from a private club’s balcony that was attached to rooms that were sheltered from weather (it can be cold, hot, dry or rainy) and had access to food and clean bathrooms. I’d definitely stay out of the Quarter that day.

 

[buzglyd]

I went once probably 25 years ago or so. It was freezing! Easter was early that year and we had to bundle up.

I’m not sure I would do it again but I’m 62 now and don’t care for drunken hordes like I used to.

 

[DRIless]

Have an opportunity to pick up a RCI trade for Mardi Gras. I've always been enamored with the idea of experiencing Mardi Gras, but is it worth it? I anticipate lots of crowds, high probability of intoxicated individuals, good food, and look forward to the parade. For those who have gone before was it worth it to experience it, would you go again or would it be better to experience New Orleans at a different time of the year?

I was there for a conference ~10 years ago, the conference hotel was on Canal. I couldn't afford the hotel rates, and I thought I stayed in a Wyndham timeshare a few blocks away on Royal. It was the week prior to Mardi Gras and there was lots happening. Anyway, on one of my morning walks between the timeshare and the conference, the sidewalk was all blocked off with Do Not Cross Yellow Tape because there'd been a shooting death there during the night. You'll probably have stories to tell, too!

2027 Kickoff & Early Parades (Jan 6 – Jan 24)​

• Jan 6 (Twelfth Night): Phunny Phorty Phellows, Funky Uptown Krewe
• Jan 16: Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus
• Jan 22: Krewe Bohème
• Jan 23: Krewe du Vieux, krewedelusion
• Jan 24: Krewe of Nefertiti, 'tit Rex

First Major Parade Weekend (Jan 29 – Jan 31)​

• Friday, Jan 29: Krewe of Cork, Krewe of Oshun, Krewe of Cleopatra
• Saturday, Jan 30: Pontchartrain, Legion of Mars, Choctaw, Freret, Pygmalion
• Sunday, Jan 31: Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, Krewe of Carrollton, King Arthur

Peak Carnival Week (Feb 3 – Feb 9)​

• Wednesday, Feb 3: Ancient Druids, Krewe of ALLA
• Thursday, Feb 4: Knights of Chaos, Knights of Babylon, Krewe of Muses
• Friday, Feb 5: Hermes, Le Krewe d'Etat, Morpheus
• Saturday, Feb 6: Iris, Tucks, Endymion
• Sunday, Feb 7 (Bacchus Sunday): Okeanos, Mid-City, Thoth, Bacchus
• Monday, Feb 8 (Lundi Gras): Proteus, Orpheus
• Tuesday, Feb 9 (Mardi Gras Day): Zulu (~8:00 AM), Rex (~10:30 AM), Elks Orleanians, Crescent City

---

Key Tips for Visitors​

• Peak Parade Days: The heaviest parade days run from Thursday, Feb 4 through Tuesday, Feb 9, when the largest super-krewes (Endymion, Bacchus, Orpheus, Muses, Rex, Zulu) roll out.
• Location Matters: Most major parades run along the Uptown / St. Charles Avenue route. Larger super-krewes like Endymion run through Mid-City.
• French Quarter: Major parade floats do not roll through the narrow streets of the French Quarter (with exceptions for walking/satirical krewes like Krewe du Vieux and Krewe Bohème).

 

[chapjim]

I went once probably 25 years ago or so. It was freezing! Easter was early that year and we had to bundle up.

I’m not sure I would do it again but I’m 62 now and don’t care for drunken hordes like I used to.

Yeah, me too! I was there for NYE and Sugar Bowl some years ago (Auburn v. VA Tech, I think) and that was enough for me. My most vivid memory was of a (presumed) coed and her (presumed) father stumbling along Bourbon St., both knee-walking, commode-hugging drunk, trying to hold each up.

 

[SusanRN]

Ron Parise wrote directly to me with a response:

I rented something like 50 mardi gras reservations a year for a few years, but I only went once. I didnt even leave the resort (Avenue Plaza) There is a balcony there overlooking St Charles Avenue, so I could watch the parades without leaving the building. One of the folks that I rented to needed another room, so I gave them mine after my first night

To your question, Is it worth it?? Ive actually been to two Mardi Gras, The first time was in the early 1970's I was in my 20's, stayed in my VW van with my wife at a campground on the far side of Lake Pontchartrain and enjoyed it (a lot). The second time I was nearly 70 and as I said, never left the resort, and I left town early. On the other hand I rented to folks the went every year. Several rented a room a year in advance

Mardi Gras is a unique experience and I think everyone should go once in their life

Ron Parise

 

[Travelingman1]

I have done Mardi Gras/Carnival as a teen several times, a young adult (early and mid 20s) and in my late 30s. I love it. It has changed a lot. Really though a lot of it comes down to how you do Carnival, what you enjoy, and what you want. I love the vibes, live music, street festival feelings, and parades. For me personally it is amazing.

You have never, been, I would strongly suggest you consider it once.

It is a nice bucket list sort of thing!

 

[TheHolleys87]

There is a balcony there overlooking St Charles Avenue, so I could watch the parades without leaving the building.

That would be my ideal!