Mardi Gras

The New Orleans Mardi Gras Carnival reflects the party spirit of a city still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Between 40 and 50 parades of huge, carefully designed floats, dancing, music and marching take place along several different routes over the two-week-long festival every February. Along with the colourful parades, Mardi Gras is a time for picnics, formal balls and dressing up, and everyone in New Orleans is encouraged to don the Mardi Gras colours of purple (for justice), green (for faith), and gold (for power). Many people tend to think of the debauched behaviour on display in the French Quarter when they picture New Orleans Mardi Gras, but most of the parades and events are suitable for children to attend. None of the parades now go through the French Quarter because the streets are too narrow and the area is packed with hard-core party goers looking to drink—and behave—to excess. The tradition of throwing trinkets or medallions from the floats began in the 1870s, and is very popular with local children even to this day. If you’re looking for a keepsake, the best throws are from the Bacchus Parade, where the New Orleans Mardi Gras king throws doubloons (these have become valuable collector’s items), but beware of the fierce competition.