Mardi Gras
The most popular time to visit New Orleans is the extended weekend before Mardi Gras. Come then and you’ll be sure to catch the most popular parades, like Endymion, Bacchus, Zulu, Rex and all of the festive celebrations throughout the whole city.
Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Most visitors will plan to arrive no later than the Saturday before Mardi Gras in order to enjoy an extended weekend of festivities.
Plan Ahead
Most of the Central Business District and French Quarter hotels require a four to five day minimum stay, and they steadily book blocks of rooms beginning in August. Make your reservations now!
Hotels are often solidly booked by December, so reserve ahead of time. However, if you waited too late to decide to experience Mardi Gras, call hotels and take advantage of cancellations. Be persistent…it’s worth it!
