Having grown up in a suburb of Chicago, it was always an end of summer tradition to attend the city's annual music festival, Lollapalooza. Used to unimaginable crowds of people way too close for comfort, and eating nothing but pizza, fries and hot dogs for three days (my three favorite foods), I thought I was prepared to head down to New Orleans and experience Mardi Gras for the first time. Little did I know, I was wrong.
I didn't really know what to expect when arriving in New Orleans so I was honestly a little nervous, although excited too. I had heard great things about the city from my friends at Tulane; how fun and lively it was, and how good and unique the food was. Being on Bourbon Street in the daytime was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Everywhere you looked, the street was filled with tons of people running around in crazy costumes, beads flying through the air, decorative signs and banners, glitter, face paint, boas, and everything else imaginable. If you haven't ever been, it's probably what you're picturing but three times crazier, louder and more fun.
After surviving my first Mardi Gras experience with only a few minor bumps in the road, I wanted to share 10 tips with those who plan on venturing down to New Orleans next year or in the future for the celebration.
1. Bourbon Street at night should be avoided.
There are few words one could use to describe what it's like to be on Bourbon street amongst all the celebrations. However, there are even fewer words to portray what the street is like when the sun goes down. My friends and I were told to not go downtown at night so we just planned on going uptown to Tulane and areas that we knew were safe but still fun. On Saturday night, we made a rash decision to check out the downtown scene, and it was not our greatest idea. I'm not saying to not go ever; it is definitely a sight to see. Just be prepared to be grabbed by strangers, yelled at, packed like sardines and witness the street much more insane and frightening than during the daytime.
2. You will get lost, and the "find my friends" app won't work.
Getting separated from your friends is inevitable, at least for a little while. Among all this craziness, you don't want to be alone. I suggest making a meeting spot for your friends and to just be aware of your surroundings at all times. Also, you could get the find my friends app, but unfortunately, all it did for me was drain my phone battery. It also reported that my friend sitting right next to me in my hotel room was 0.4 miles away.
3. You do not need to flash people to get beads.
I came prepared and brought beads for the weekend because I had heard rumors that in order to get beads you had to flash people. There will constantly be beads thrown through the air and on the ground. The accessibility of the necklaces was never lacking, and I regret the $7 I spent on a necklace that I easily could've picked up off the ground.
4. Bring cash.
Having cash on you, and not only $20 bills, is a must. Cabs and restaurants often didn't take credit or debit cards, and having cash on you is just easier in general. If you're looking to try the famous beignets at Cafe Du Monde, they also only accept cash. Having cash on Bourbon street will also be beneficial.
5. Wear a fanny pack or a cross body bag.
Numerous people I know got pick pocketed and lost their wallets and phones. Be aware of where you are and keep your items out of your back pocket or other accessible areas that would allow someone to easily snatch them. Having a fanny pack was a great idea; it also helps if there are two different compartments so that you can split up your cards and cash.
6. Watch parades and explore the city.
One regret I have from Mardi Gras is that I didn't watch any of the parades. Walking down the street downtown I could see one for a brief second, but I never got to actually experience the uniqueness of the decorations and floats. Find out from locals about which parades are going on and where, because they definitely aren't worth missing! Also, no matter where you are, aside from Bourbon street, there will be parades, so you can't go wrong. Go to different areas around the city as each has its own culture and feel. I spent most of my time on Bourbon and at Tulane, and I wish I had ventured out to different areas.
7. You should and probably will eat Boot Pizza.
My friends and I made it a priority to go to The Boot, by Tulane, and try a slice of their pizza. I have heard nothing but wonderful reviews about it from my friends at Tulane, and I had seen numerous pictures of slices. I could eat pizza at any time of the day, and the slice I got from the Boot was large, cheesy and delicious, and it was the best meal I had all weekend.
8. Cute shoes or any shoes you care about are a no go.
I promise you that your shoes will get ruined. Rain boots are probably the best option but don't try to wear cute boots or high heels that you love and wear every day. You can't go wrong with converse or gym shoes either. Anything close toed. I strategically wore my navy converse, instead of my white ones, which was definitely the right call.
9. You can wear absolutely anything.
Before the trip, I was stressed about what outfits to bring and what to wear. Having experienced two days of the craziness, it is evident that you can basically wear anything you want or nothing at all. I saw a few people in extremely minimal clothing and others in costumes, full onesies, neon leggings, graphic tees, emoji dresses, normal clothes and more. You can't go wrong, and no matter what you do end up wearing, you will always get covered in beads and or boas. Also, no one will notice or remember what you are wearing.
10. Mardi Gras is a marathon -- not a sprint.
In the morning when you go out for the day, you're staying out the entire day. By knowing this, definitely take it easy and pace yourself. Especially if you're bar hopping, you need to be conscious of what you're eating and drinking throughout the entire day because you don't want to have an empty stomach or get sick and or fall asleep at 2 p.m. and miss the whole day. Remember, you will be partying and celebrating all day long!
Stepping off the plane on Friday morning, I was nowhere near mentally or physically prepared for the weekend ahead. Mardi Gras was quite the experience, and I had the best time. I had only heard positive reviews, and now I finally see what all the hype is about. This weekend was unparalleled to anything else I have ever experienced. Definitely go if you haven't; you won't regret it.
Now the 363 days countdown begins.
