Each year 1.4 million visitors descend on the city of New
Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. Krewes (local social clubs and organizations that
sponsor the parades) vie for the largest floats, most throws (beads, doubloons
and other trinkets) and biggest marching bands. The Krewe of Endymion parade
draws 30,000 parade goers each year as they toss over 15 million throws along
the parade route, eventually rolling into the Super Dome for the
black-tie Extravaganza ball with big-name entertainers performing for an
intimate crowd of 20,000 This city knows how to celebrate in a big way.
But, beyond the raucous partiers and crowded balconies of
Bourbon Street and the “Super-Krewe” size parades, Mardi Gras is about time
honored traditions and the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans. For the locals,
much of the celebration is a family experience filled with king cakes, parties,
picnics and neighborhood parades.
There are over 80 parade krewes this year, rolling
throughout the city from Twelfth Night on January 6th through midnight
on Fat Tuesday February 25th, marking the beginning of Lent. Each
Krewe has a unique history and parade route, reflecting the heritage of the
city.
The diverse neighborhoods of New Orleans, each with their
own charms and traditions, are a great place to celebrate the local flavors of Mardi
Gras. The artsy neighborhood of Marigny hosts a grassroots walking parade on
Mardi Gras morning with street-side cookouts and music venues. Or head to Treme,
the historic African American neighborhood that brought jazz to the city, to
experience the elaborate museum-quality feather and beaded suits the Mardi Gras
Indian chiefs and their tribal entourages are known for. Uptown parades, which
stretch from the historic Garden District to Audubon Park along mansion-lined
St Charles Avenue, are popular with local university students and families
alike. From the trendy crowded parades in the Warehouse District to
family-friendly parades in Mid-City, this city has a krewe-themed parade for
everyone.
Between all the parade floats and marching bands, an eclectic
array of street eats, local restaurants and corner grocery stores provide a
diverse assortment of authentic cuisine options ranging from traditional shrimp
etouffee to party fried chicken to keep everyone going during parade season. Colorful
purple, green and gold king cakes are everywhere right up to Fat Tuesday. I’ve
included a recipe for classic Muffuletta, made famous at Central Grocery in the
French Quarter, to prepare for the festivities. This oversize sandwich is
layered with olive salad, sliced meat and cheese, then cut into hearty wedges
for on-the-go eating during parade season.
New Orleans is a big city filled with culturally rich and
unique neighborhoods to experience during Mardi Gras. Celebrate like a local, grab
your Mardi Gras mask and take in a few parades put on by the smaller krewes
that parade off the typical routes this season and laissez le bon temps
rouler.
