There are many cities claiming to have the "first real" Mardi Gras (we're looking at you, Mobile) but there is no question that New Orleans does it better. It's bigger, rowdier, and boozier. On your way to your first Mardi Gras and have no clue what to do? Have no fear, the Gibs is here to help you through!
1. Pack a variety of clothes
The weather in New Orleans is prone to mood swings. One minute the humidity is so thick you feel like you're swimming in it, the next there's a flash flood, then the cold front moves in and the wet-cold cuts through to your bones. Mardi Gras 2020 is at the end of February this year, so the weather is anyone's guess. The best way to combat this is to pack for the three New Orleans seasons: summer, winter, hurricane. Make sure you pack your shorts, your poncho, and your jacket.
2. Have a designated backpack carrier
While it might not be very chic, the backpack is the unsung hero of Mardi Gras. Carry one of these babies and you won't need to stop and buy overpriced waters on Canal Street. Load them up with waters, snacks, alcohol, beer (cans, not bottles), hand sanitizer, gum, jackets, you name it. For years, I have been the designated backpack carrier and it has made all our lives easier. You spend less money and more time enjoying the parades with friends. For those not carrying backpacks, we suggest wearing fanny packs or carrying small purses.
3. Bring a portable charger
The worst feeling in the world is trying to catch up to friends on the route but your phone is at 2%. Not only will your phone die before you find your friends, but it'll also die before your Uber has a chance to confirm your ride. Portable chargers are heaven sent - they're not too expensive, they're fairly small, and they charge your phone in no time. Being stuck out during parades alone and without a phone is not ideal.
4. Wear rain boots even if it's not raining
If you live in New Orleans, you probably already have a designated pair of Mardi Gras shoes. They're shoes you don't care about getting dirty from mud or alcohol. Most times you will find locals wearing duck boots or rain boots even if the forecast only calls for clear skies. This is because the streets and sidewalks are soaked with alcohol and mixed with dirt creating a smelly muddy mess. This not only protects your feet but protects your wallet - you won't need to buy a new pair of shoes if you don't ruin them in the first place.
5. Remember, Mardi Gras is a family event
Sure, there are no children running down Bourbon Street but Mardi Gras is a family affair. Take a stroll down St. Charles Avenue during any given parade and you'll see children on top of ladders trying to grab an alcohol-soaked stuffed animal. Families come decked out in their best costumes to enjoy this unique holiday with friends. Kids toss footballs in the street in between parades. While it may come off as a strictly adult holiday, we can assure you that the heart of Mardi Gras is the families. We here in New Orleans start training them young. Don't be surprised if you see babies or little kids at tailgates next to college students - you learn to co-exist without issue.
6. Always carry cash
You don't want to be at the front of the line buying a snack only to realize it's cash only. Some vendors along the parade route don't have the capability to run cards and don't have Venmo. And on the off chance that cabs are less expensive than Ubers, most cabs during Mardi Gras are cash only. Carrying cash might not be ideal but at the end of the day it can save you from a ton of headaches.
7. Lassiez les bon temps rouler - Let the good times roll!
The most important way to prepare for Mardi Gras is by having fun and rolling with the punches. It's a packed, crazy, beautiful time that you don't want to miss out on. Take in the beauty of the floats, the locals dancing in the street, the college kids playing beer pong, and the grown men pretending to flash people for beads. It's an event you can't experience anywhere else. It's as unique as the city it's in.