The vibrant celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is synonymous with its dazzling decorations, which transform the city into a spectacle of color, creativity, and festivity. Each year, as Mardi Gras approaches, New Orleans donates its streets, homes, and businesses to become a living canvas for the world's most colorful party. Here, we explore some of the best spots in New Orleans to witness Mardi Gras decorations that are not only breathtaking but also steeped in tradition and community spirit.
The French Quarter
The heart of Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, pulsates with activity and embellishment during the festival. Here are some key spots within the Quarter:
- Bourbon Street: While famous for its nightlife, during Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street becomes an even more dazzling display of beads, masks, and festive lighting. Parades like the Krewe of Endymion pass through here, offering prime viewing opportunities amidst the decorations.
- Royal Street: Known for its galleries and antique shops, Royal Street gets adorned with artistic Mardi Gras decorations. The krewes often showcase elaborate floats and displays here, making it a visual treat.
- Jackson Square: The historic square in front of St. Louis Cathedral transforms into an open-air art gallery of Mardi Gras, with vendors selling masks, beads, and other festive items. The cathedral itself gets a festive makeover with lights and banners.
Garden District
Not only does the Garden District boast grand mansions with intricate ironwork, but during Mardi Gras, these homes become canvases for elaborate decorations:
- The neighborhood’s famous live oak trees often get hung with beads and lights, creating a surreal canopy.
- Residents compete to have the most impressive Mardi Gras decorations, with houses decked out in purple, green, and gold, the official colors of the festival.
Mardi Gras World
For those interested in the behind-the-scenes magic of Mardi Gras, visiting Mardi Gras World is a must. Here:
- Visitors can see firsthand how the floats are designed, painted, and decorated for the parades.
- A working studio where artists are busy creating the next year’s floats gives a rare peek into the art of Mardi Gras.
🎨 Note: Tours at Mardi Gras World require reservations, so plan ahead if you want to include this in your Mardi Gras itinerary.
Canal Street
The wide boulevards of Canal Street provide a spectacular backdrop for Mardi Gras:
- The street itself becomes a parade route, with its decorations mirroring the grandeur of the floats passing through.
- The shopping area along Canal Street is festooned with garlands, banners, and lights, celebrating the festive spirit.
St. Charles Avenue
Home to the oldest continuous Mardi Gras parade route in New Orleans, St. Charles Avenue is a treasure trove for Mardi Gras enthusiasts:
- The iconic streetcar line gets decked out in Mardi Gras colors, with festive decorations dangling from its wires and poles.
- The majestic oaks that line this avenue also get their share of beads and decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Frenchmen Street
While less known than the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street is the heartbeat of New Orleans’ live music scene, which during Mardi Gras, amplifies its decorations:
- Local businesses adorn their storefronts with intricate Mardi Gras designs, reflecting the artistic vibe of the area.
- The street hosts second-line parades, where you can see and participate in the uniquely New Orleans tradition of street dancing.
As we celebrate the essence of Mardi Gras through its decorations, remember that the true spirit of this festival is in the community, the shared joy, and the creativity that transforms New Orleans into a wonderland of color and celebration.
What are the best times to see Mardi Gras decorations in New Orleans?
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The decorations start going up weeks before the actual Mardi Gras day, with peak times from the start of the Carnival season in early January to Mardi Gras Day itself, which can vary but usually falls in February or March.
Can you recommend some lesser-known spots for Mardi Gras decorations?
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While not as famous, neighborhoods like the Marigny and Bywater offer unique decorations, with creative installations by local artists and homeowners who often go all out with their personal flair.
Are there any particular Mardi Gras decorations unique to New Orleans?
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Yes! The masks, beads, and floats are iconic, but New Orleans also has “flambeaux” (torch-bearers) in parades, and “doubloons,” small coins tossed by krewes, that are unique to this celebration.
