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Has anyone been to Mardi Gras?
I told H that I would like to go next year and he is against it. He said it seems too wild and dangerous.
I'm not saying it's something I want to do regularly but it is something I would like to experience before I die and I think I would enjoy now while I am relatively young more then in 10 or 15 years.
So, I'm just looking for opinions. Overrated or must have life experience?
"You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness."
Re: Has anyone been to Mardi Gras?
I went in college and had a great time.
I went a few years after college and thought it was a waste of time and money. I felt old and realized I wasn't in the frame of mind to enjoy it anymore.
If I wanted to go to a big festival in New Orleans, I'd opt for Jazz Fest.
Thanks for the opinion. Next year at Mardi Gras time I will be 27 almost 28 and H will be 29. I talked with someone at work and he said he would recommend going the week after. There is still a lot going on but it isn't QUITE as crazy.
Since we aren't HUGE drinkers/partiers I do worry that we would feel old/out of place.
DH is from NOLA and knows all the smaller parades and off-the-beaten path events, so my time at Mardi Gras was a little calmer than most people's. I have no desire to ever go back, but I think it's something you should experience just once. That said, if you go to NOLA during any holidays or peak vacation times, you will see a small version of what happens at Mardi Gras no matter the time of year. It's debauchery at its best (?). And the funny thing is that it's the tourists who bare their bottoms and chests and create a ruckus half the time - not the locals.
If you do go to NOLA, I have a short write-up here: http://sunshinenwine.blogspot.com/search/label/New%20Orleans
Thanks so much for this info!!
If you husband is a football fan the NFL Experience sets up the weekend before the Superbowl (the weekend I suggested you come) So you might be able to use that angle.
I wouldn't call it a must have life experience but it can be a fun experience.
I used to live near NOLA and went while I lived down there. We watched parades, shopped, ate some good food and had a great time. We had a few beverages but didn't get crazy drunk or anything like that.
For me Mardi Gras is just a good time and not come crazy drunk fest. I think you can have both experiences depending on what you want.
I agree with pps that Jazz Fest is a better option, but if you want to experience Mardi Gras I say go for it.
DH and I went to NOLA for a long wkd last Oct and had a GREAT time. We loved it there. We discussed how we couldn't imagine being there during Mardi Gras because it'd be soooo packed. Most bars there only have 1 stall bathrooms and some only have 1 stall bathroom for both men and women. We waited in line for the bathroom many times and it was moderatly busy so I have no idea how it happens on Mardi Gras. A friend of ours went like 10 years ago and said most guys just urinateed on the street.
I'm not a fan of large crowds, waiting in line to get in places, for drinks, and especially the bathroom, but would definately recomend going to NOLA on a weekend when maybe there is a NFL game or College Game so there are people there, but it's not CRAZY.
I have never been but I was at Fantasy Fest in Key West which I have heard compared. I was 23 and felt way to old for it, I have/had no tolerance for the drunken stupidity (even though I was a fairly big drinker at the time) and nakedness. I really want to see New Orleans but not at Mardi Gras. I could see if it you were totally wild or if you want an excuse to be but if not I would skip it.
I grew up in New Orleans, an went to Mardi Gras every year. I tell people all the time that it's worth it to come to Mardi Gras, but not to make it their first trip to New Orleans. The city is not at its best at Mardi Gras.
As a local, I recommend making your hotel reservations early, and to stay downtown. I do not suggest you stay in the French Quarter, but rather in the CBD or along St. Charles Avenue. Hotels will either give out arm bands to registered guests or check your keys at the door during season.
Also important to note is that parades usually begin 2 weekends before Mardi Gras Day, however next year (2013) the two weekends will be split by the Super Bowl -- another reason to make your hotel bookings as soon as possible. Parades will begin the last weekend in January, then the Super Bowl will intervene, and then the parades will pick up again the second weekend in February.
I would strongly recommend that you not attempt to drive anywhere during Mardi Gras, and certainly not if you will have to cross the parade routes to get back to your hotel. Locals hate driving during Mardi Gras -- its a nightmare. but you should have no real problem as a pedestrian.
Let me know if you have any logistical questions. If you go, I hope you enjoy it. It is an experience like none other.