Mardi Gras

What Do Indians Have to Do With Mardi Gras?

For those who aren’t familiar with the variety of traditions surrounding Mardi Gras, one of the most colorful and interesting is usually the Mardi Gras Indians. People want to know how it started and what it all means! There’s no simple way to explain it, but here are a few places to get started. Before you know it, you’ll have a good idea of what the Mardi Gras Indians are… Read More »

King Cake and Coffee – Even in July

There’s a lot of rich tradition, history, and religious significance surrounding the customs of Mardi Gras. There’s also a lot of fun. While there’s really no way to experience the parades, the festivities, and the cooler weather during this part of the year, we at least have one small way to experience Mardi Gras and that’s king cake. Yes, the King Cake (one of the most prominent Mardi Gras traditions)… Read More »

Notes From Carnival '09

by Errol LabordeWe came really close to having a perfect Carnival. The krewes did their part (Zulu even ran a little ahead of time). The weather was great. The crowds were large. The parade quality was improved. Police and sanitation did their part. All it took was two miscreants with guns to put a pall on the event, but damnit, we cannot empower thugs to ruin something that is so… Read More »

Tell Us About Your Mardi Gras!

Now that the Carnival season has come to an end, we at MardiGrasNewOrleans.com want to hear about your adventures. Send us your pics, videos, stories and anything else you may have picked up along the way during your stay here in New Orleans. Chances are we will feature them on the site. Please remember to keep it clean, and family friendly, y’all. As for the team here, we couldn’t have… Read More »

The 23rd Annual Lundi Gras at Spanish Plaza

On Monday, February 23, 2009, Riverwalk Marketplace will host the 23rd annual Lundi Gras at Spanish Plaza with the arrival of Rex, King of Carnival, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The free celebration will again include fireworks on the Mississippi River and musical entertainment by New Orleans' own Living Legends Brass Band, Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters and the Topcats.“Each year at 6 p.m. on Lundi Gras,… Read More »

Four Signs that the Carnival Spirit Survives

By Errol LabordeCarnival is a fragile season that is often threatened, though I am amazed at how the spirit seems to survive. There are signs that people really do care and really want the season to have class, significance and style. They even have the guts to reject the corporate thumbprints that are now placed on most of life’s other events. In recognition of that spirit, here are four reasons… Read More »