This year, Mardi Gras season is going to look a little different. With the Super Bowl in town, parade dates have been changed to welcome football fans down to the Big Easy for the big game! There are probably going to be quite a few guests in the city for annual Mardi Gras antics as well. Whether your a native or this is your first carnival experience, it’s good to keep a couple of things in mind.
If you’re heading out to parades Uptown, everyone is going to be staking their spot out on the neutral ground. As tradition goes, you can pitch your plot the night before after everything has been cleared away from the night parades, but plan on getting up early! Those spots are up for grabs for early birds. As long as you’ve got one person minding the space then you’re ready. If you do lose your spot, be cool. Most people, even if they’ve pitched camp in your spot, are willing to share. In fact, sharing is a part of the celebration. Whether your surrounded by neighbours or strangers, chances are someone is going to offer you beer or food. If you accept, it’s good etiquette to share back.
If you don’t know yet you will know soon that there are plenty of hands in the air grabbing for beads, boas, and more! There can be a lot of pushing and shoving and grabbing. It’s important to remember that it’s all in good fun! As New Orleanians say, “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!” Let the good times roll. Have fun!