Learn About Mardi Gras All Year Long!

Mardi Gras 2016 has long since come and gone, and Mardi Gras 2017 is still MONTHS away –but that doesn’t mean the spirit of Mardi Gras can’t be found around town throughout the year. Guests visiting this summer, you may not be able to experience the big, beautiful floats rolling down St. Charles, but you can learn about the history behind Mardi Gras and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making the floats.

Your first stop: Mardi Gras World. That’s right, there’s a whole world dedicated to Mardi Gras right here in New Orleans! Here you’ll enter the breathtaking world where the themed floats are housed all year long. The tour will take you through rooms where the floats are being designed and built from the ground up. Plus, you’ll get to try on elaborate Mardi Gras costumes and enjoy an authentic piece of New Orleans King Cake, which is incredibly hard to find out of season!

Tours are available from 9:30am until 5:30pm seven days a week.

From there, head to the Louisiana State Museum: Carnival where you’ll learn all about Mardi Gras broken down into five easy themes: History, Parades, Balls, Courir du Mardi Gras, and Masking. It’s a lot to take in, but believe us, it’s interesting and entertaining. It’s a great way to take a break from the heat (or shelter from a summer shower!)

By now, we know you’ve worked up an appetite – so we’ve saved the tastiest for last: Antoine’s. We’re sure you’ve heard of this famous and fancy delight, but did you know it houses rooms filled with Mardi Gras history?  The Rex Room is one of royalty. Named for the Krewe of Rex, it’s decorated in green and gold and is home to photos and other heirlooms of Rex Royalty.

Now, go get your Mardi Gras history on, and while you’re at it practice shouting “Throw me something, Mr!”