The world’s biggest free Carnival show — Mardi Gras — is certainly a must-see event for everyone. If you’re a New Orleans native, Mardi Gras is just a part of your year and not celebrating it seems like a crime. For those in other parts of the country, however, the idea of attending Mardi Gras is exciting and probably a little bit scary. But don’t let that stop you from hopping in your Airstream and taking a trip down to New Orleans to party on!
Here is more information about Mardi Gras and tips on how to Live Riveted while you’re there:
WHO: Mardi Gras is a party that attracts all sorts of characters, and dressing up is a great way to join the celebration. You can go as a fairy or in disco garb, or you can just wear a fun, elaborate mask — as long as you’re becoming someone else for the day!
The traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, which stands for justice, green, which symbolizes faith, and gold, which indicates power. While you don’t have to stick to these three colors, it’s a fun way to participate in the holiday’s traditions. Get more tips on a Mardi Gras costume here.
WHAT: Mardi Gras is filled with fun activities and things to do, and there’s nothing like participating in its festivities and traditions. Here are just a few of the items you should have on your bucket list of Mardi Gras experiences:
Parades: The elegant floats of the Mardi Gras parades are iconic representations of what the celebration is all about. There are a number of parades of various sizes that occur during the season of Mardi Gras, and each one is organized by a specific Krewe. Every Krewe has a unique history and theme, so each parade is sure to be a different than the next! See a full list and descriptions of Krewes here.
Throws: While all Mardi Gras parades are different, they do all have one thing in common: throws. Throws are items — generally beads, plastic cups and/or dubloons (coins) — that the Krewe members throw from the floats into the crowd. One Krewe called the Krewe of Zulu even gives out intricately decorated coconuts called “golden nuggets!”
King Cake: Throughout the Mardi Gras season, families and community members throw King Cake parties to celebrate together. According to tradition, a plastic baby, said to represent baby Jesus, is baked into the doughy cinnamon cake. Whoever finds the baby inside his or her slice of cake must either throw the next year’s party or becomes the queen or king of that particular King Cake party! To learn more about the tradition of Mardi Gras King Cakes, click here.
WHEN: This year the parades of Mardi Gras will begin on Jan. 6, which is the Twelfth Night and the first day of the carnival season. Throughout the next couple weeks, parades will march up and down the streets of New Orleans every day with the last and most extravagant parades taking place on the day of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is always the day before Ash Wednesday. This year, Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 17. All of the times, dates and locations of the parades throughout the Mardi Gras season can be found here.
WHERE: If you’re traveling to New Orleans with your Airstream, there are plenty of places to stay! Whether you’re looking to stay close to the center of the action or in a quieter area, the New Orleans community has a lot to offer. Check out this list of New Orleans RV campgrounds to find a temporary home for your Airstream travel trailer!
The French Quarter of New Orleans, which includes Bourbon Street, is infamous for inappropriate and lewd behavior during Mardi Gras. However, that certainly does not have to be your Fat Tuesday experience! The St. Charles Avenue area is full of families and fun activities for children to enjoy in a safe environment.
There is also an event called Family Gras organized especially for families! In past years, Family Gras has featured games, food, shopping and live entertainment from artists like Jesse McCartney and Taylor Swift! In 2015, the celebration is scheduled to take place Feb. 6 through Feb. 8 and is sure to be a great time for all! Learn more about Family Gras here.
WHY: The New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration has a rich history dating back to the early French settlers, who celebrated Louisiana’s first recorded Mardi Gras in 1699. Since then, it has continued to evolve into the huge celebration it is today! French for “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras now serves as a last hoorah before Lent, which traditionally serves as a season of fasting and sacrifice. It’s truly a great time and place to Live Riveted!
Have traveled to New Orleans in your Airstream to celebrate Mardi Gras? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share with us on our Facebook page, Twitter page or in a comment below!
