Happy Mardi Gras Day 2024!

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2024! Once again the biggest parades with the Krewe of Zulu as well as the Krewe of Rex are rolling the the streets of Uptown New Orleans. Catch them now folks this is the last day of Carnival Season!

Check out the footage of the parades, click here!

Thanks for visiting stay tuned for Mardi Gras and New Orleans culture, music and much more.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

 

Mardi Gras Day 2024 Falls On February 13

Yep, Folks it's about that time again! Mardi Gras Day, AKA Fat Tuesday falls on February 13 for 2024. I'd say start getting ready but the fun is already going strong. The parties are rocking, the parades are getting started soon so get out there now!

Remember that Mardi Gras Day is that LAST day of the celebration. After that the next day is Ash Wednesday, time to go to church after all the the wildness of the Carnival Season.

Check out the Mardi Gras Parade Schedule, looks like they're starting on Wednesday, February 7. So get there if you can, there's nothing else like it!

Please feel free to post questions or comments, thanks for stopping by!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2023!

Hey Folks! It's that time again! It's Mardi Gras Day! This is the LAST day of the Carnival Season, so if you haven't already get your party on today!

Check out the video that gives you a taste of the Mardi Gras parade experience. Featuring the krewes of Zulu, Femme Fatale, Oshun and more. 

Click to watch it now!

Enjoy! Feel free to leave comments below.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Day 2023 Falls On February 21

Almost that time, before you know it Mardi Gras day will be upon us once more. NOW is the time to get out to New Orleans and get in the mix of all the entertainment and fun!

The parades have started and the party won't stop until Mardi Gras Day is over. That's right, that's the LAST day of the Carnival Season. 

Click here to check out the Mardi Gras Parade Schedule to see where the krewes are goign to be next! Enjoy!

Any comments? Leave them below. Thanks for visiting.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

The Mardi Gras Girl Blog Is 10 Years Old!

I can hardly believe it, The Mardi Gras Girl Blog is actually 10 years old! It's been through changes of domain, times when I just ignored it, as well as being a resource of creativity and passion, inspiration and just plain fun. That's why the latest and greatest domain ends in .fun!

There's still a lot to share since the Mardi Gras celebration encompasses so much history and so many traditions. Amazing people who make up the krewes who run the parades, food that makes you wanna smack somebody it's so good, parade floats like nothing you've ever seen, and of course music, both New Orleans traditional as well as Mardi Gras, that moves you deep down in your soul. 

That and so much more are coming soon folks, so stay tuned! Please feel free to post comments on what you'd like to see covered here. Also share your Mardi Gras stories as well. 

Below is the link to one of my favorite posts, with Kermit Ruffins and the Rebirth Brass Band. Get in the flow and check out the song "All On A Mardi Gras Day". 

http://www.mardigrasgirl.com/2017/02/kermit-ruffins-and-rebirth-brass-band.html

Want MORE Mardi Gras Music? Click here: http://mardi gras music https://amzn.to/3i7AEC1

Thanks for visiting!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Learn How To Make A Traditional New Orleans King Cake For Mardi Gras

If you won't be able to make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you don't have to miss out on all the amazing culinary treats available. One of the favorites is the King Cake, which is in a way really like a large cinnamon roll or pastry. 

It's usually topped with icing in the bright Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. Also many people also include a small plastic doll in the image of baby Jesus. That's in celebration of the three Wise Men that visited Jesus on the the Twelth Night after Christmas.

In the video below you can check out how to make your own King Cake from scratch.

   

Or if you want to have one of the Traditional King Cakes by Nonna Randazzos - Shipped in Protective Box like the one pictured above, click here to shop now!

Thanks for visiting! Stayed tuned for more Mardi Gras fun!

Video credit: The Sweet Spot with Kirk Blouin

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Day 2022 Falls On March 1

Yes folks, it's almost that time again, before you know it Mardi Gras Day 2022 will be here! Now although the date of Fat Tuesday will be March 1, 2022, the parades are actually going to start next month. 

The first will be on January 6, 2022, we'll be posting more soon and providing a link to the parade schedules as well. Of course with everything going on regarding the pandemic, arrangements for the celebrations are subject to change without notice. 

But make sure you take precautions, be safe, and enjoy!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2021!

Well folks it's that time again, it's Mardi Gras Day. Here's the last chance to get your party on since tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. So do it pandemic style and social distance from home so the only mask you'll need is your Mardi Gras mask!

Hope you've enjoyed the posts, feel free to let me know in the comments below what you'd like to see covered here.

Thanks for visiting and stay tuned for more Mardi Gras, culture, traditions and history here throughout the year!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

 

Krewe Of Bacchus Mardi Gras Mobile App 2021

There are several krewes, which what the different groups are called that run floats and provide entertainment for Mardi Gras parades, and one of the largest is called Bacchus. It's named for the god in Greek mythology of wine and vegetation.

Bacchus was the son of Zeus and was thought to show mortals how to make wine. The krewes all have their own themes and usually follow cultural and mythological icons. 

This year due to the pandemic, Mardi Gras celebrations are still going on, just a lot quieter this year. The Krewe of Bacchus has an app which you can download for free to your phone to enjoy the Carnival season virtually. The Throw Me Something Bacchus! mobile app can be installed on Android at Google Play Store or on iPhone from Apple's App Store. You'll find fun stuff like virtual Mardi Gras throws, king cake, music and more for all ages. 

So check it out and share. Thanks for visiting, have fun!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Carnival Season Starts January 6, 2021

 

The Carnival Season officially starts today, January 6, 2021 and the last day is Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Remember to get all your partying and celebrating in since Ash Wednesday is the following day. That means you'll have to wait all the way until NEXT YEAR!

To get this Mardi Gras season started off right check out the Kermit Ruffins video below. Get into the swing of things with this song Do The Fat Tuesday From Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers Live from Basin Street Records.

The next few posts will cover apps and other virtual services for you to enjoy Mardi Gras 2021. Covid-19 is NOT gonna stop Mardi Gras, we just have to celebrate safely! Make sure to check out the post on how to enjoy Mardi Gras at home, just click here.

Comment below on what you'd like to see. Thanks for visiting!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Have Mardi Gras Fun At Home

Just because the pandemic has shut down a lot of events, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the Mardi Gras season from home wherever you live. All you need to get started are a few things like:                                              

* Mardi Gras themed masks (preferably in the Mardi Gras colors, purple green and gold) or anything creative

* Lots of strands of beads in the Mardi Gras colors and any other color you like

* Decorations like confetti, banners or streamers

For drinks, you'll want to have the Hurricane. Food is usually typical New Orleans dishes like red beans and rice or dirty rice; or even a seafood gumbo. For sweets try pralines or a king cake.

As for music we have plenty of options for Mardi Gras and New Orleans tunes to get your Mardi Gras party rolling. Here's a link to a previous post to get your mojo going. Click here!

Remember you can go ahead and get your celebration started, Mardi Gras Day, February 16, 2021 is the LAST day of the season. After that it's Ash Wednesday, so get your party started NOW!

Any questions or if you want to share, comment below. 

Thanks for stopping by, have fun!

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Day 2021 Falls On February 16

Even though the parades have been cancelled for the Mardi Gras New Orleans celebrations for 2021 due to COVID-19, the official day of Fat Tuesday remains the same, February 16. 

Keep watching this blog for updates on virtual celebrations hosted by different Mardi Gras krewes as well as ideas for throwing your own Mardi Gras parties.

As they say in Louisiana “Laissez les bons temps rouler” which means “Let the good times roll.”

Feel free to post questions below. Thanks for visiting.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

 

Mardi Gras Girl Blog 2020 Update

 

This year has been a challenge for us all around the world. My condolences go out to all who have lost loved ones in the pandemic outbreak this year. 

The Mardi Gras Girl Blog will continue to post information on Mardi Gras and keep readers up with changes in the schedule of parades. They won't be during the Carnival season as usual but possibly in May. 

Although travel to New Orleans is something to look forward to in the near future,  this blog will feature ways to bring the joy and festivity of Mardi Gras to your home.

Mardi Gras parties where masks and colored beads as well as traditional New Orleans cuisine can be prepared can be a way to have fun especially during a time when some fun is needed.

Any comments? Please post below.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Day 2020 Falls On February 25

Hey folks, have been away for awhile but the Mardi Gras Girl is back again. Because, well, life happens!

Anyway start getting ready because it's almost that time again...soon it'll be Mardi Gras Day 2020 in New Orleans! Next year it falls on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. As always Fat Tuesday is the final day of the Carnival Season, the next day is Ash Wednesday. So make sure to get there about a week in advance so you don't miss out on all the parades and celebrations.

Any questions about Mardi Gras make sure to look through the posts on this blog, it's been around since 2012!

If you you can't find the answer post your comment below. Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more interesting and entertaining posts.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Day 2018 Falls On February 13

Next year Mardi Gras Day will be  February 13, 2018. 

Don't wait until the last minute to travel to New Orleans, most of the parades and other festivities will be held at least 2 weeks before Fat Tuesday.

Remember Mardi Gras day is the final day of the Carnival Season. After that comes Ash Wednesday which is the beginning of Lent. So if you get there too late you'll miss out!

Feel free to post any questions or related comments below. Thanks for visiting, stop by again soon!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

TheMardiGrasGirl.com

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2017!

Hey, the big day has arrived. Today is Mardi Gras Day! This is the last day of the Carnival Season and celebrations. There's still time for you to enjoy the festivities if you're in the area. Lots of music clubs in the French Quarter, on Frenchmen Street and throughout the city will be partying until midnight tonight. After that it's Ash Wednesday and you'll have to wait until next year to do it again! 

Here's some Mardi Gras music from Professor Longhair to help you get into the mood. Enjoy! Happy Mardi Gras, yeaaaah!!!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

TheMardiGrasGirl.com

2017 Theme Announced For Mardi Gras Krewe Of Zulu

Part of the fun for every Mardi Gras season is to hear the announcements and details of the new theme for the Mardi Gras krewes. Although Mardi Gras is an enjoyable celebration, one krewe has a more serious theme
that they'll be focused on this year.

The Krewe Of Zulu has declared their theme for 2017 to be "Stop The Violence". All of the krewe's throws and parade floats will reflect this theme. The president of the organization, Naaman Stewart, stated he wanted to take a stand and express concerns about violent crime. Although Mardi Gras is an entertaining event, we're all also hoping this new message is reaching its audience in a more profound way.

Click here for my previous post to read more about the African American Mardi Gras Krewe Of Zulu.

Photo credit: mardigrasneworleans.com


Feel free to post comments below. Thanks for visiting!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl
TheMardiGrasGirl.com

Mardi Gras Everyday At Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World

Ever want to see where a lot of the action begins for the amazing Mardi Gras parades? It starts with the parade floats! Since 1984 Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World has offered tours of their warehouse where you can even watch some of the artists working.

Blaine Kern Studios has actually been creating the imaginative floats and props for New Orleans Mardi Gras parades since 1947. They also make them for Philadelphia's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Universal Studios in Florida, Toho Park in Japan as well as amusement parks and casinos worldwide.

The space is part museum and part art studio. Many of the the floats are stored here from the New Orleans celebrations and may be re-used and updated. Costumes and figures are also available to view. You're offered and up close and personal look at how they make all the magic happen.

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World is located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl., New Orleans, LA 70114, you can visit their website at: http://www.mardigrasworld.com

Feel free to post comments below. Thanks for visiting.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2016!

Hey, Happy Mardi Gras 2016! Check out the live stream for the Mardi Gras parades and floats for the big day. This is it, starting with the Krewe of Zulu, who's celebrating 100 years of incorporation with new floats,  through the Krewe of Crescent City in New Orleans. 

New Orleans Local News, Weather, Sports, Investigations

Check it out, have fun!

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Your First Mardi Gras Celebration? Then Make Sure You Read This

Taking precautions always makes sense whenever you plan to attend a parade or other public street fair and Mardi Gras is no exception.

People from all over the world converge on the city of New Orleans throughout the Carnival season, but the last few days counting down to Fat Tuesday are particularly crowded. 

If this is your first time taking part in the Big Easy's massive party or even if you're a Mardi Gras veteran, here are a few things to keep in mind. These 5 tips will help you enjoy the festivities even more:


1. Get an early start
Plan to arrive at parade routes near the beginning of where the krewes will be starting out. When I say early, I mean at least 3 hours. Crowds will swell up quickly and you want to make sure you'll be able to see the floats and be close enough to catch the throws.

2. Dress the part
When I say pay attention to what you're wearing I don't mean just your costume. Check the weather prior to leaving since it can vary this time of year. Plan on layering your clothing; it can be warm, cold, rainy or sunny. 

3. Have a game plan for meals
While you're on the parade route it'll be difficult to get food since restaurants will be incredibly crowded. You may be able to find vendors that have snacks, but don't count on it. Pack your own lunch and try to keep your bag as light as possible, it will be a very long day. Besides you'll need room for the beads and throws you're going to catch!

4. Forget about driving
Don't be concerned about trying to drive anywhere during the Mardi gras weekend. The entire 
French Quarter is closed off for vehicle traffic unless you're driving a float or your car is in the parade with a krewe. Cabs will be difficult to find as well so plan a walking path from your hotel to the parade route.


5. French Quarter is NOT for kids during Mardi Gras
Stay on the parade route areas in Mid-City, Uptown, Central Business District and other areas of the city if you're coming to enjoy Mardi Gras with children. The out of control, risque behavior that gets all the media attention happens in the French Quarter, particularly on Bourbon Street. There are no parades in that area and that's the main reason you came! Most of the Mardi Gras celebrations are family friendly, so no worries if you keep to where the floats travel. 


Hope this helps, if you have any questions or want to add tips from your own Mardi Gras experiences feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading.

*** Want more travel tips? Click here for my post on catching beads and click here for the one on solo travel during Mardi Gras. And most of all, have fun! Yeaaah!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl