Carnival season is in full effect and has been for weeks. Now, it’s almost time for Mardi Gras!
Beginning as a religious holiday observed prior to the Christian Lenten season, Mardi Gras has since expanded from a single day of observation to weeks (or months) of partying.
The festivals and celebrations in the weeks leading up to the Lenten season are celebrated across the world, from France to Brazil and beyond. And, in the U.S. although it is celebrated in other cities like Mobile, Alabama, St. Louis, Missouri, Gavelston, Texas and cities throughout Louisiana, it’s most famously celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana.
New Orleans takes Mardi Gras seriously, with traditions including king cake and parades beginning in January and lasting for weeks until the actual holiday itself.
Whether you’re a local, a traveler planning a trip to New Orleans or want to watch the festivities from afar, here’s what to know about Mardi Gras parades in the Big Easy this year.
When is Mardi Gras 2025?
This year, Mardi Gras, which translates from French to “Fat Tuesday,” is on March 4.
Ash Wednesday is on March 5, the day marking the start of the 40-day Lenten season that culminates with Easter.
When is Mardi Gras 2025?Here’s what to know as Fat Tuesday approaches
Why does New Orleans celebrate Mardi Gras?
Although it is a Christian holiday now, Mardi Gras is a holiday that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites, according to the History Channel. Mardi Gras, also often called Carnival or Carnaval, is celebrated in countries around the world with large Roman Catholic populations.
Louisiana was colonized first by the French before it became part of the U.S., and has retained strong French and Cajun culture and traditions, including Mardi Gras.
When are the 2025 Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans?
There will be plenty of parades around New Orleans for the last few days of the carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras on Tuesday March 4. There will even be parades for dog lovers after the official carnival season ends.
Here’s when and where to catch these parades, according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. For specific parade routes, click the link on the corresponding parade.
Friday, Feb. 28
Saturday, March 1
Sunday, March 2
Monday, March 3
Tuesday, March 4
Sunday, March 9
Saturday, March 15
- Krewe du Pooch: Noon, Mandeville
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].
