Map & Guide to Mardi Gras 2026
Here's an easy reference guide to Mardi Gras’ biggest parades, famous French Quarter bars, plus a brief history of the celebration.
Important Mardi Gras Dates
Mardi Gras always begins on January 6th each year, and ends on Fat Tuesday in February, the day before Ash Wednesday.
The annual celebration extends over the course of one month, and consists of 55 parades, parties and festive balls across the city of New Orleans.
BRIEF HISTORY OF MARDI GRAS NEW ORLEANS
The first Mardi Gras in New Orleans happened in 1856.
Beads, coins, cups and the Zulu's Krewe's Golden Nugget (a coconut) are all known as "Throws."
Charitable organizations called Krewes, organized in to 55 distinct carnival parades,.
The Crown Jewels of Mardi Gras can be seen at the WILLIAMS RESIDENCE, a historic 1889 building in the French Quarter.
KNOW YOUR KREWES - THE SEVEN BIGGEST MARDI GRAS PARADES
Mardi Gras in New Orleans has 55 parades each year; 28 of those parades take place during the last weekend. The following is a brief history of the most famous and oldest Krewes.
BACCHUS is known for its marching and dancing along its route. The parade is named after the Greek Party God Bacchus.
ENDYMION always has a famous celebrity grand marshal, and is known for elaborate floats and costumes. After the parade, Endymion holds a major party for thousands at the Superdome!
ORPHEUS first started in 1994. Orpheus' theme is music and always features major celebrity honorees.
PROTEUS is named after the Greek Sea God who was also a shape-changer. This is the second oldest of the Mardi Gras parades. The Proteus Krewe are famous for their masked ball celebrations each year.
REX is known as the The King of Carnival, and takes place on Fat Tuesday. Rex is the final and arguably the most famous of the parades. The Rex Krewe originated the Mardi Gras tradition of tossing gold coins, which, by the way, are called Doubloon.
ZULU is named for the famous African Zulu tribe. The parade is well-known for its fantastic colorful costumes and music.
MUSE begun in 2002 is the first all-female krewe and parade!
See a complete list of Mardi Gras parades and events here: CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
TIP YOUR GLASS AT THESE FIVE HISTORIC BARS
Arnaud's French Bar 75 Est 1918. 815 Bienville St
Carousel Bar Est. 1886. 214 Royal St
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Est. 1732. 941 Bourbon St
Pat O'Brien's Est. 1933. 718 St. Peter's St.
Port of Call Est. 1960s. 838 Esplanade Ave
Purchase the RED MAP NEW ORLEANS
PRE-MARDI GRAS - A BRIEF HISTORY OF NEW ORLEANS
Native Americans lived on this land first, but in 1718 French trader/explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne came through and founded New Orleans. Possession of the area passed back and forth between the French and the Spanish, until the United States got it as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
