Mardi Gras Day is March 4, 2025. Fat Tuesday is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
What you need to know about Mardi Gras:
Do I need tickets?
There is no need for tickets to see a parade…all of them are FREE!! That is why it is called “The Greatest Free Show on Earth!”. You only get tickets if you want to sit down on stands as the parades pass.
Are Carnival and Mardi Gras the same thing?
Technically, “Carnival” refers to the period of feasting and fun that begins on January 6 and ends on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), the final day of revelry before Ash Wednesday when Lent begins. It is also common for people to refer to the entire season as Mardi Gras and, for clarity, to call Fat Tuesday “Mardi Gras Day.” Locals tend to call the season “Carnival” and, to us, the last two weekends leading up to Tuesday are “Mardi Gras.”
What is the significance of the Mardi Gras colors, and where did they come from?
Rex, the King of Carnival, selected the Mardi Gras colors and assigned meaning to them in 1892. Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.
Why are masks worn?
By law, float riders must always have a mask on. On Fat Tuesday, masking is legal for everyone else, and the elaborate masks that some wear add to the fun.
How does Mardi Gras benefit the New Orleans economy?
Economic impact reports indicate that Mardi Gras generates over $1 billion in annual spending.
How is the City government involved?
City governments are not involved in coordinating Mardi Gras parades. The governments issue parade permits, but that is the extent of their involvement. Krewes independently schedule and coordinate their own parades.
Who organizes and pays for Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras parade krewes are private, non-profit organizations whose members get together year round to plan their parade’s theme, costumes and unique throws. Each Carnival Club, as they are known, is individually funded by its members. They support their krewe through dues, sales of krewe-related merchandise to their members, and fundraising. Mardi Gras parade krewes sometimes have corporate sponsors.
The city of New Orleans is not involved in coordinating Mardi Gras parades; their only involvement is to issue parade permits to each individual Mardi Gras krewe that schedules and coordinates its own parade.
Source: Mardi Grass New Orleans