As most of you know this week is Mardi Gras.  Ironically, this is a religious holiday indicating the last carnivals before the Lenten season practiced by Catholics around the world.  Here in America, we come up with an excuse to drink for just about any type of celebration.  In other words, it doesn't matter what religion you are, what matters is celebrating Carnival.

I experienced my first Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year with my friend who attends Tulane University, a school in the heart of New Orleans.  When I booked my flight a month prior, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  If you've ever been to New Orleans then you'll understand.  If not, let me give you some reasons why you should hop onto the next direct flight to MSY:

The Bars "Close at 6 a.m."

The bars don't actually have a closing time.  They say 6 a.m. but in actuality it's last call.  Unlike in Michigan where your night ends at 2a.m.... your night doesn't end in Louisiana.  Favorite bar spots in New Orleans: Pat O'Brien's, The Boot, The Palms, The Gold Mine, Lucy's, and Snake and Jake's.   

Open Container Laws? Nope.

How many times do you want to pregame before the pregame but you can't bring your drink because there are Open Container Laws?  It happens quite often with my friends and I.  In New Orleans you can buy your hurricane drink and roam the streets while sipping your drink dry.  However, you will go to jail if you urinate on the streets or pet the police cops (weird laws in this city).

Let's Not...

You can flash your breasts, but contrary to popular belief, you can get beads by simply standing at a parade with your arms flailing.

Not Your Average Parade

The parade floats aren't just open to anyone.  They consist of different Krewe's traveling through the French Quarter through the entire Carnival Season.  You can find the full schedule here.

Birthplace of Jazz

You know how you walk up to a tailgate and the first thing you notice is the blasting EDM?  Not in New Orleans, we went to a darty with a live jazz band.  Definitely held a completely different vibe... but in a good way.  New Orleans offers jazz and piano bars to draw in the perfect day party.

Two Words: The Food

Cajun, Gumbo, Creole, King Cake, Fried Food, Foie Gras, Sweet Potatos, Po Boy, the list goes on.  In fact here's something to drool over: NOLA food.

So do yourself a favor, go to New Orleans.