Mardi Gras 2011 Winds Down

New Orleans celebrated another successful Mardi Gras this year with crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands. The Convention & Visitors Bureau reported that 97% of hotel rooms were booked for Mardi Gras 2011, and the crowds on the street visibly confirmed the number.

Even with the weather causing some rearrangements in the parade schedules, all of the krewes were able to celebrate the Carnival season. This year was a special treat for parade goers on Sunday night, March 6th. Due to the weather, the Krewe of Endymion moved their parade from Saturday to Sunday, and they followed the Krewe of Bacchus in the procession. Not only were revelers able to watch two of the premier krewes back-to-back, but they were also able to see several celebrity guests. Andy Garcia was Bacchus this year, and Endymion included the rock band Train, rock singer Pat Benatar, CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper, Kelly Ripa from Live with Regis & Kelly, and actor Mark Consuelos.

Despite the rainy weather on Mardi Gras day, all parades rolled on time. Donning their rain gear and their Carnival decorations, crowds cheered on the parades and caught beads and special throws. The festivities of the season offered something for everyone again this year with family-centric parades in Metairie and several in the uptown area during the day. With Mardi Gras corresponding with several colleges' spring break schedules, New Orleans was packed with revelers.

Thanks to everyone who came out this year, and thanks to the city of New Orleans for serving up a good time for all of our visitors!

Happy Mardi Gras!!