We believe in the wisdom of fools and the true spirit of Mardi Gras: an optimistic and enduring human capacity for merriment and make-believe, for mirthful mockery and the creative indulgence of whimsy.
Experience the eye-popping kaleidoscope that is Mardi Gras — a visually intoxicating celebration and the official art form of New Orleans.
The offerings range from offbeat subcultural processions to spectacles with huge, glitzy floats to traditional affairs featuring floats built on old cotton wagons and depicting themes from myth and legend.
Bone up on trappings, traditions and symbols of Mardi Gras — and find out why this civic ritual best exemplifies the cultural richness of New Orleans.
Reap throw booty and eyeball kicks, while avoiding pitfalls like parking tickets or bungling the all-important logistics of finding a place to pee.
The thrill and challenge of acquiring prized gewgaws has become a competitive spectacle unto itself, summoning both animal urges and creative strategizing.
King cake has become a widely recognized symbol of pre-Lenten feasting and the most popular way to share the Mardi Gras spirit.
Mardi Gras music, like Christmas music, is not so much a style as it is an aural milieu comprised of various forms and genres.
The customs and traditions of Mardi Gras comprise a cultural repertoire, whereby different themes, rituals and symbols are cobbled together, recycled and reinterpreted.
Costume closets, king cake parties, making shoebox floats, watching parades from atop festooned ladders and snagging throws with butterfly or fishing nets — all are part of the experience of children and Mardi Gras.
A compilation of events and activities that are open to the public including everything from parades, balls and parties to grassroots expressions of indigenous culture and art and photography exhibits.
Iconoclastic provocateurs, gifted artisans and visionary revelers who collectively enrich the panorama of Mardi Gras.
Test your knowledge of Mardi Gras — a civic ritual with a storied history and innumerable facets and traditions.
Idiosyncratic processions, artistic pursuits and living traditions happening outside tourist zones.
Binge viewers of Mardi Gras programming and live coverage have never had it so good. The offerings are comparable in abundance to an Endymion bead shower.
As an expression of a rich cultural heritage, Mardi Gras — Louisiana’s most asked-about tradition — is well represented in museums and attractions year round.
A grab bag that includes appreciations of movers and shakers who are no longer with us, plus retrospectives and features on noteworthy happenings.
