The annual season of all things crazy and Carnival is about to be upon us. From Saturday, Feb. 15 - Fat Tuesday, March 4, New Orleans will be emblazoned in all of its purple, gold and green glory and if you're a Mardi Gras virgin, there are some very important things you need to know.
1. Pick a parade
The crazy bead-flinging and crowded streets are a result of the parades that headline Mardi Gras. Krewes ride these themed floats through the streets of NOLA hurling beads, toys, tokens, cups, and a multitude of sweet souvenirs.
There are some major ones and they all bear the names of gods or otherwise sacred deities (Bacchus, Endymion, Isis, Thoth, Zeus, etc) and they all have particular routes. Check out www.mardigrasneworleans.com/schedule.html to get a feel and a time for what street you should set up camp on and what roadways will be closed due to parade traffic.
Also be aware that some parades (mostly those before 3 p.m.) are more family-oriented, those afterward likely are...not. Then grab a hurricane and let the party begin!
2. Watch out!
Be aware that the people surrounding you during the parade are not your friends. They will elbow you, step on you, and literally snatch things out of your hands if you've caught something that they want.
Additionally, the krewes on the floats are tossing, throwing and chunking beads and parade swag to everyone they can. Sometimes their aim is not so good. Keep your head up. You don't want a black eye from a stray frisbee.
Be aware and be the guy or gal that just gives it up and lets the good times keep on rolling.
3. Do Bourbon St. wisely
You can't travel to a city and not visit its most famous attraction! Blasphemy! Yes, New Orleans does allow public drinking during Mardi Gras and yes, Bourbon St. is a great place to celebrate that awesome rule, but just remember it's infamous for a reason. New Orleans' finest will be out in force, but boobs, beer, and beads are king during Carnival.
If you have kids, it's best to take them there during the morning or early afternoon hours. There will still be day drinkers and the all-night party animals, but it'll definitely be more low-key.
4. Take Bathroom Breaks Seriously
The best way to navigate NOLA is definitely on foot. This way you can save on cab fare, avoid the headache of finding parking, and appreciate the city's amazing architecture and history up close.
However, walking and drinking (which you will likely be doing) means eventually needing a potty break. Most restaurants will make you purchase something, or will simply prohibit people from off the street from using their bathrooms. Some private citizens will rent Port-O-Johns and have them set up on the street, but be prepared for a line and to pay said savvy citizen $1 - $5 for the use of their facilities.
Always use the bathroom when you get the chance and always wear comfortable shoes.
5. Ask for help
The people of New Orleans are a proud bunch. They absolutely love their city and while some may feel annoyed at the plethora of invading tourists and partyers, most realize the tourist dollars are doing their city and economy good. That said, don't be afraid to ask a bellhop, bartender, cab driver, or even a street performer for directions, advice, tips on restaurants, etc. Just remember that $5 - $10 will always be appreciated.
6. Don't waste your days
Many people come to Mardi Gras for the crazy, all-out benders and sleepless nights. This is fun and understandable, but New Orleans is a gorgeous city full of awesome sights and sounds. Due to the easy walkability of the famous French Quarter, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral are free to gaze upon, as are the countless Easter egg-colored, centuries-old homes, galleries, shops and businesses that make up the quarter and the Central Business District.
Get your nighttime party on, but don't forget to be a respectable tourist during the day.
Now that you're ready to laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll), grab a hurricane, Hand Grenade, or an Abita and watch the Crescent City do its thing.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
