7 Things To Keep In Mind During Mardi Gras In New Orleans | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

7 Things To Keep In Mind During Mardi Gras In New Orleans

A list for Mardi Gras-goers, both new and old.

105
7 Things To Keep In Mind During Mardi Gras In New Orleans
Anthony Cannata

With Mardi Gras quickly approaching, thousands of people are making plans to head down to New Orleans, Louisiana. I was lucky enough to grow up in the Big Easy, so Mardi Gras has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Mardi Gras in NOLA is unlike any Mardi Gras celebration elsewhere. With that being said, there are quite a few things that newcomers to both New Orleans and Mardi Gras should be aware of.


1. Wake up early for your spot on the parade route.

Getting a good spot on the parade route takes some sacrifices. Sleep is one of those sacrifices. There are an astronomical amount of people in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, so waiting until an hour before the parade pretty much guarantees that you'll be half of a football field back from the street. Don't make that mistake. Set 10 alarms, pack your stuff the night before, and get to your spot well ahead of time.

2. Experience Bourbon Street at least once.

Bourbon Street is an interesting place, indeed. It's not the cleanest and it's definitely not family-friendly. Regardless, everyone should go to Bourbon Street at least once, especially during Mardi Gras season. The energy and atmosphere is so lively, and there are multiple New Orleans staples that you can try (if you're of legal age to drink, of course). One thing to keep in mind is that Bourbon Street actually closes at midnight on Fat Tuesday.

3. Go to a New Orleans bakery and get a king cake.

If there is one thing that I have yet to find in my college town, it's a decent king cake. Treat yo' self and get an authentic New Orleans king cake.

4. Hand Grenades are not to be taken lightly.

There's a delicious drink that is sold on Bourbon Street, known as the, "Hand Grenade." Though you may taste little to no alcohol in it, that is definitely not the case. Be wary when consuming these. They definitely sneak up on you.

5. Bring plenty of bags for beads.

Parades in New Orleans definitely don't skimp on the amount of beads they throw. Make sure that you're adequately prepared for any scenario and bring enough storage space for everything you catch.

6. Make sure to get authentic New Orleans cuisine.

While in the city, you should definitely avoid chain restaurants. New Orleans has some of the best food. Venture out into the French Quarter and try something new.

7. Have a great time, but be safe.

Though Mardi Gras is all about having a good time, you should always keep an eye on your surroundings. There is a high volume of people in New Orleans at this time of the year. Always stay with your group and drink responsibly.


New Orleans Mardi Gras is one of the greatest things you can experience. Keep these things in mind and you're bound to have a great time!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

134825
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

31648
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28963
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments