Carnival season is here; it seems like school had barely been back in session before the festive chaos began. For those who have never experienced a Tulane University Mardi Gras before, this brief guide will be essential for your newest New Orleans experience.
“Mardi Gras” means Fat Tuesday in French. This is the final day of feasting during the Carnival celebrations, right before Ash Wednesday. This Carnival season consists of 38 days of festivities, parades and traditions that New Orleans heavily embraces.
Tulane Mardi Gras
We wouldn’t be Tulane without doing something to make us stand out from New Orleans locals. The Mardi Gras culture at Tulane consists of frat parties, rave outfits and incessant drinking. If this is something you are interested in, here are some things you might want to know.
Prepare!
Mardi Gras might seem to fly by, but its effects last long past Fat Tuesday.
- Buy some Vitamin C packets beforehand; you will probably get sick after the post-Mardi depression wears off.
- Stock up on food. A handful of Cheez-It’s will not hold you over until dinner, and if you are drinking, you should be eating!
- Plan with friends! Come up with a meeting point if you get separated.
- Check the weather, and be prepared for any rain or colder temperatures. Dress accordingly! Cute coats can be a perfect accessory.
Parades
There are multiple parades a day, all following a specific route. These parades are led by Krewes, organizations that celebrate Mardi Gras. While you watch the costumed, parading Krewe members, you might catch some “throws.” Throws are the items being thrown off the parade floats, such as beads, plastic cups, stickers and more. Compete with your friends to see who can catch the best throws!
There are over 70 parades that run during the Mardi Gras season. During the five days of festivities, fraternities offer rides to the parade routes. However, spots in U-Hauls are limited, and securing a ride can be overwhelming. Have alternative methods of transportation, just in case.
Not sure about which parades to go to? The Krewe of Muses is an all-female Krewe, known for their high-heel throws. Krewe of Bacchus has over 30 floats, the first presenting the “King of Bacchus,” a yearly celebrity who joins in on the celebrations. This year, actor Kevin Dillon claims the title. The Krewe of Zulu is held on the morning of Fat Tuesday. If you have it in you, this parade is another must-see.
Must-Haves
It’s common to spot Tulanians with fanny packs or mini backpacks while celebrating. I recommend having something of the sort; you will be out for hours and should be prepared!
- Portable charger
- Bar or snack
- Some cash, just in case
- IDs
- Other ideas: Band-Aids, a note with an emergency contact…
Last Reminder
Respect the city! Don’t flash for beads, don’t urinate in public and don’t litter.
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