Mardi Gras Tips

Mardi Gras is the time period before Ash Wednesday that celebration takes place through carnivals, parades and festivities. Technically though, it is only on Tuesday as the very name, Mardi Gras, is French for "Fat Tuesday". Fat Tuesday was given it's name because it is the last day of feasting before lent.

Plan ahead before traveling to New Orleans. Make your hotel, car, and restaurant reservations in advance. The crowds are intense and you want to have reservations made early.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

Set up a meeting area where you're family or friends can meet in case someone gets lost in the crowds.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

It is not recommended to carry a purse during Mardi Gras or keep a wallet in your back pocket while in the crowds. There are a lot of thieves out that day just looking for the opportunity to swipe it when you're caught up in the commotion of the celebration.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

Know your limits when it comes to drinking alcohol. It is plentiful in New Orleans and it's very tempting to indulge to the point of danger. If you're smart, you can get to the point of "feeling good" without overdoing it and putting yourself at risk to criminals or a bad accident.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

Know that, while the area around the French Quarter is so-called "ground zero" for Mardi Gras, it is actually a city-wide event and if you limit yourself to just that area, you may be missing out on a lot more the city has to offer.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

While being in the center of the Mardi Gras gatherings and experiencing it up close is awesome, the safest place to experience it is at a distance. If you have kids, you may want to consider reserving a hotel with a balcony or arriving early at some of the parades so you can reserve a space in the grandstands.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

There are lots of things "thrown" from the floats during Mardi Gras parade (beads, coins, cups, etc.). You'll be wanting to collect some of this for memorabilia but be careful, there will be a lot of other people reaching for the same thrown objects in these large crowds. Take it from one who knows... be sure to put your foot on the object to secure it before reaching down to grab it. Otherwise, you could get your fingers crushed.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

If you want to pass on the bead throwing extravaganza during the parade, you can set yourself up in a good position to see the concert that takes place afterward. You'll definitely be the smart one if you can pick the side of the stage with the restrooms.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

I don't personally recommend bringing young children to this crazy, free-for-all, drunken event but if you must, please watch out for their safety. Stay sober so you can protect these young kids and keep them on the fringe of the crowds, not in the center where it can scare them. Also, write your name and phone number on the arm of the child or on their clothing somewhere. God forbid if they get lost, someone will be able to contact you.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

Don't forget to bring snacks, extra toiletries, binoculars, camera, a bag to collect the beads and souvenirs and an umbrella in case it rains. Oh and don't forget your cell phone.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

To get the most out of Mardi Gras, pick up a copy of Arthur Hardy's Mardi Gras Guide. It's available at just about all of the drug stores and main supermarkets.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

Mardi Gras is an experience. Take it all in by:

• Dining at the French Quarter.
• Visiting Mardi Gras World (across the river from downtown)
• Buying a King Cake to eat while watching the parade.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

If you are hosting a Mardi Gras party, make a King Cake! King Cakes are often made of a cinnamon dough in a bundt pan. The cake is traditionally decorated with a glaze and purple, green, and yellow sugar. A small baby figurine is baked inside the cake. The person who finds the baby in their piece of cake is the one who throws the next Mardi Gras party.

If you have kids, get them into the Mardi Gras celebrations by making a mask! Pull out all the glitter, sequins, and feathers and let them have at it!