Mardi Gras in New Orleans is possibly America’s biggest and best party. The overarching theme is “Eat, Drink, and Have Fun,” and the locals take it very seriously, as this city-wide event is considered the last hurray before the Lenten season. In the Catholic faith, parishioners are expected to fast, abstain from meat on Fridays and ritual sacrifices during the 40-day period of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday each year.
Future Carnival Dates 2019-2027
Carnival, which is the French term for “Fat Tuesday,” falls on a different calendar date each year because it is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Since Ash Wednesday coincides with the date of Easter, which always falls on the first Sunday after the vernal equinox and the full moon, the ever-changing lunar cycles are the cause of the ever-changing dates.
While planning a trip to Mardi Gras can seem intimidating, especially to first-time travelers, with strategic planning, you and your entire family can have one of the best vacations of your life at The Big Easy. The best advice is to plan early, and that starts with knowing your Mardi Gras dates, whether you visit next year or 10 years from now.
- Mardi Gras 2019 is March 5
- Mardi Gras 2020 is February 25
- Mardi Gras 2021 is February 16
- Mardi Gras 2022 is March 1
- Mardi Gras 2023 is February 21
- Mardi Gras 2024 is February 13
- Mardi Gras 2025 is March 4
- Mardi Gras 2026 is February 17
- Mardi Gras 2027 is February 9
When to plan your visit
It is important to note that carnival is the season leading up to Fat Tuesday. It begins in early January for “King’s Day” and runs until midnight on Mardi Gras. The party ends abruptly on Fat Tuesday, so to maximize your experience, plan to arrive earlier, particularly for Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras, and the second-largest holiday in town.
You can plan to arrive even at the beginning of the month and not miss out, as there are several parties and parades that start about two weeks before Mardi Gras Tuesday. New Orleans takes advantage of all the stops for these great exhibits, so if you only pick one activity to do during your stay, make sure it’s one of the best parades in the city.
Places to experience carnival
How you experience Mardi Gras largely depends on your location. The French Quarter is undoubtedly most famous for massive crowds, heavy drinking, bead tossing, and general lust. However, it is important to know that although there are no open container laws in New Orleans, nudity is illegal in public, just like anywhere else in the country. So if you plan to participate in the famous flashing, think twice. There are hundreds of arrests each year for public nudity, and you won’t be able to enjoy much of the city from the confines of the jail, so don’t.
Mardi Gras on St. Charles Avenue is the place for family Mardi Gras activities. You’ll see parades, tame bead drops, and due to the family atmosphere, none of the obscenity of the French Quarter. The crowds will still be heavy, but they are friendly and add to the festive atmosphere.
What to eat in New Orleans
New Orleans is truly a special city in America with a culture of its own, and the quickest way to experience the city the way the locals do is to eat through The Big Easy.
Some of New Orleans ‘most famous specialties include Cafe du Monde beignets, po’ boy sandwiches, boiled crawfish, muffuletta sandwiches, red fish, gumbo, jambalaya, etouffée, and the specialty Mardi Gras cakes.
What to bring on a trip to Mardi Gras
Because Mardi Gras can be anytime from early February to early March, the weather can fluctuate. However, New Orleans is generally hot and sweltering year-round, so don’t forget to pack shorts and skirts, but also a jacket and long pants for colder nights and to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
While there is generally no dress code for public parties and bar hopping, if you are lucky enough to receive an invitation to a Mardi Gras Ball, it is strictly formal dress. Dresses must be below the ankles and tuxedos are required for men.
For Mardi Gras, you’ll want to bring a fun and festive costume to celebrate, but keep in mind that you’ll most likely wear it for several hours that includes walking, so plan accordingly.
