Mardi Gras in New Orleans Crash Course
- Dec 11, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 11
🎭 Welcome to Mardi Gras 101: Your Beginner’s Guide to New Orleans’ Biggest Celebration
If you’ve ever heard folks talk about Mardi Gras and wondered what all the fuss is about, cher, you’re in the perfect place. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the most joyful, colorful traditions in the South—but for first-timers, it can feel like a whole new world. Don’t you worry none—we’re here to walk you through it, nice and easy.
To help you dive into the magic, we’ve created some short videos that’ll transport you straight to the streets of the Crescent City. From the glitterin’ floats rollin’ down St. Charles to the Mardi Gras throws that rain down from the floats, these clips capture the heart, soul, and sparkle of Carnival season.
Think of this as your friendly crash course into the heart of Carnival season. If you’re curious about how it all works, these videos will help you understand the who, what, when, and why of Mardi Gras—without any fuss.
So grab yourself a comfy seat and let the good times roll. These videos will have you talkin’ Mardi Gras like you grew up in the Crescent City.
Be sure to bookmark this page and check back as we add more videos about the event that’s not just a party – it’s an entirely different state of mind, a spirit that settles right into your bones.
When Is Mardi Gras?
Curious when all the magic happens? This video breaks down the Carnival calendar so you’ll know exactly when to pack your bags and head on down to the Crescent City. From Twelfth Night to Fat Tuesday, we’ll walk you through the season that keeps New Orleans dancin’ in the streets. Grab your planner, cher—Mardi Gras waits for no one!
Mardi Gras Traditions
Dive into the heart and soul of Carnival with a look at the traditions that make Mardi Gras unlike anything else in the world. From king cakes and krewes to second lines and Zulu coconuts, this video is your backstage pass to the customs that keep the good times rollin’ year after year.
Riding in a Mardi Gras Parade
Ever dreamed of tossin’ beads from atop a glittering float? This video puts you right in the rider’s spot—mask on, hands full of throws, and crowds cheerin’ for more. Learn what it takes to join a krewe, prep for parade day, and experience that rush when your float starts rollin’ down St. Charles Avenue. Hold tight, bébé—it’s a ride you won’t forget.
Watching a Mardi Gras Parade
There’s nothin’ quite like standin’ curbside as the music hits your chest and the floats come rumblin’ by. This video shows you how to pick the perfect spot, what to bring, and how to soak up every bit of joy from parade day. Whether you’re catchin’ beads or just catchin’ feelings, this is Mardi Gras at its finest.
Mardi Gras Attire - COMING SOON
Feathers, sequins, masks, oh my! This video is your guide to dressin’ the part for Carnival season. From parade-day comfort to Bourbon Street flair to the high-glam magic of a Mardi Gras ball, you’ll learn how to step out lookin’ like pure Crescent City royalty.
Marching Bands - COMING SOON
If the floats are the bones of a parade, the bands are the heartbeat. This video takes you front and center with the high-steppin’, drumline-snappin’, soul-shakin’ marching bands that bring Mardi Gras to life. Get ready for goosebumps, cher—these musicians don’t play around.
Mardi Gras Beads and Other Throws - COMING SOON
Beads may be the stars of the show, but Carnival throws come in all shapes and surprises. This video explores the history, the culture, and the pure fun of catchin’ everything from stuffed animals to light-up trinkets to those treasured krewe keepsakes. Keep your hands up and your smile wide—you never know what’s comin’ next!
Cleanup - COMING SOON
When the last float rolls and the music fades, the heroes in neon vests get to work. This video shines a light on the massive overnight effort to clean the streets and get the city sparkled up again. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the crews who keep New Orleans beautiful—proof that even after the party ends, the love for this city never does.
