THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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How to do Mardi Gras like a local, according to a krewe

How to do Mardi Gras like a local, according to a krewe

The "greatest free show on Earth" is not a one-day celebration. It's not even a one-week celebration. It is a month-long amalgam of parades and balls leading up to the season of Lent. In New Orleans, Mardi Gras proper, or Fat Tuesday, is the biggest day that attracts most locals and tourists. It falls on Feb. 25 this year and will feature parades hosted by some of the largest and oldest krewes, such as Zulu and Rex.

There is no question about those being some of the most theatrical spectacles you'll ever see, but the parades leading up to Fat Tuesday are worth noting as well. Some local favorites are the Krewe of Chewbacchus, with a sci-fi theme, and the Krewe du Vieux, which is known for crude, humorous floats. 

We spent a few days with the Krewe of Freret, which was started in 2011 by a group of Loyola University graduates who wanted to revive the community of the Freret corridor. This year, its theme was "the music of New Orleans," showcased with floats with elaborate sculptures of musicians like Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix and Trombone Shorty.

According to the Krewe of Freret, there are some keys for how to best experience Mardi Gras like a local.

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1. Know where your bathroom is

Depending on how dedicated you are, and how much water (or alcohol) you're drinking, you'll most likely need to use the restroom at some point. There are portable restrooms every few blocks, but many hotels and restaurants sell bathroom wristbands, which can be a worthy investment in the long run. Relieving yourself outside is illegal and will get you arrested.

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2. Do not flash for beads

Mardi Gras is associated with an overload of debauchery in the French Quarter. This perception is not wrong, but there is more to it than bodies exposed for beads. In fact, don't flash anyone at all. You will get arrested. According to the co-founder of the Krewe of Freret, Greg Rhoades, "most of Mardi Gras is incredibly family-friendly."

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3. Go with the flow

There are several parades happening all over the city, sometimes at the same time. Don't think too hard about where you're going and what time. Just live in the moment. Find happiness. It's everywhere.

4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Mardi Gras can be an all-day, all-night event, so drink a lot of water, especially if you're consuming alcohol. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. You want to be able to make it to the end of the night, when the parties start happening.

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5. Wear close-tied shoes

According to Lydia Blackmore of the Historic New Orleans Collection, "We judge the success of a Carnival season by the tonnage of trash produced." The streets get very dirty. You're also going to be on your feet all day and dancing through the night, so bring comfortable footwear and your insoles if you use them.

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6. Throw on a wig or a costume

Many New Orleanians have a closet in their home dedicated to costume material. You don't have to dress up as anything specific, but you'll see people along the parade route sporting purple, green and gold attire.

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7. Don't stand next to kids

They're cute. But the float-riders tend to throw beads at the kids, so they're more likely to steal your beads. Keep your distance.

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8. The best way to get a good spot is to make friends

Almost everyone you meet in the Big Easy is welcoming, and it's hard not to make friends along the way. New Orleanian Zenia Smith says Mardi Gras is like a gumbo pot: "When you mix all of these people together, and you throw in some alcohol, you throw in some music, you throw in some good food - it's just the best experience in the world."

 

 

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