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Mardi Gras 2025 In New Orleans
Trip Summary:
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At a glance
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Don't forget that all of our itineraries are totally customized and so this is just an idea of what we can build for you.
New Orleans is one of the most enigmatic cities in America. It’s the home of voodoo, jazz, and Mardi Gras. Anne Rice set her famous vampire novels here for a reason. It’s every bit as spooky as it is romantic.
The biggest event of the year in New Orleans is, of course, Mardi Gras. It begins on “the 12th night” and ends on “Fat Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday). There are so many parades to see and parties to attend.
New Orleans, with its deep historical roots and unique cultural tapestry, stands as a testament to the eclectic mix of influences that shape its identity. This city, lying at the heart of the Mississippi Delta, has absorbed elements from French, Spanish, African, and Creole traditions, weaving them into a vibrant mosaic that is palpable in its architecture, cuisine, and, of course, music. Jazz, arguably America’s greatest cultural contribution, was born in the lively bars and nightclubs of New Orleans, a genre that continues to define the city’s auditory landscape. This melange of cultural influences makes New Orleans not just a city to visit, but an experience to be lived, offering a sensory journey that captivates the imagination of all who wander its ancient streets.
Beyond the festivities of Mardi Gras, New Orleans offers a year-round allure with its hauntingly beautiful cemeteries, like the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau draws visitors from around the world. The city’s affinity for the mystical and the paranormal is not just limited to literature and folklore; it permeates the very atmosphere, especially as dusk falls over the French Quarter. Ghost tours and voodoo shops offer a glimpse into the darker side of New Orleans, providing a stark contrast to the exuberant joy that fills the streets during its numerous festivals and celebrations.
“It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh, and I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi-Gras in New Orleans.” — Mark Twain
In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Days 1 To 3: Explore New Orleans
Arrive at New Orleans Louis Armstrong airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Over the three days before Mardi Gras, you’ll get a feel for the city.
Take a trip to Jackson Square where you’ll see a statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback, the mighty Mississippi River, and St. Louis Cathedral. To catch a glimpse of old New Orleans, visit 1850 House, an antebellum house decorated in a mid-Victorian style. Supposing you have a taste for the macabre, join a ghost tour and learn about mad Delphine LaLaurie, a famous New Orleans resident who allegedly tortured slaves in her mansion.
The hedonistic French Quarter is a must. Discover its unique charms, from swanky restaurants to jazz venues and dive bars. It can get pretty rowdy at night along Bourbon Street. Don’t forget to have a drink at the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone: it’s a New Orleans institution.
Days 4 To 7: Mardi Gras
Festivities will be taking place over two weeks. There’s a parade every day. Expect garish floats, colorful costumes, a nonstop party vibe in the French Quarter, and yes, drunken chaos on Bourbon Street at night. People drink booze from the hand grenades and dine on Creole food. Marching jazz bands parade loudly through the streets. There’ll be queues around the block for Chicory coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde.
Mardi Gras may not be for the faint-hearted but it is fabulous. It isn’t just a tourist trap. This is a cultural event and a decadent celebration of life. Over your week in New Orleans, you’ll see the key parades and attend a fabulous masked ball.
Day 8: Departure
After an action-packed week, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Further information
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Further Information
This itinerary is tailor-made and it can be adapted to suit your needs. There are different ways to experience Mardi Gras, some more family-friendly than others.
When the carnival begins, it’s best to visit the French Quarter during the day, as it will be very busy at night. Bourbon Street, packed as it is with bars, gets a bit raucous in the evening during carnival – best to have a night on Bourbon Street in the days leading up to Mardi Gras.
If you view the parades from Uptown you’ll be in a slightly quieter, less touristy setting.
As Mardi Gras is such a huge event advanced booking is recommended. The hotels will be full and very expensive nearer the time.
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