An Insider’s take on Mardi Gras

New Dawn Updates

Jan 22

When you say you're from New Orleans inevitably people want to talk about Mardi Gras and the one thing everyone seems to get wrong is that Mardis Gras is a day, a Tuesday to be exact. Perhaps it is elsewhere in the world, but in New Orleans it’s an entire season. Festivities start Three Kings Day and continue almost every weekend, Thursday through Sunday, until that infamous Tuesday.

One of the main highlights of Mardi Gras is the parades. Social organizations known as Krewes spend the entire year preparing for these spectacular events. They design and build elaborate floats, create intricate costumes, choreograph dazzling performances, and purchase truck tons of beads and throws. Not to mention the bespoke and highly coveted throws each Krewe tosses which are often handmade, painted, or decorated by krewe members. There are so many Krewes and parades that there are even several apps that remind you who’s rolling each day and allow you to follow your favorite parade as they wind their way through the city so you can catch them at the best viewing spot.

2024 Zulu Parade Spectator *(M. Geveci)*

But Mardi Gras is more than just a party; it is a time for community and togetherness. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of New Orleans. Most parades outside of Bourbon Street are actually family affairs with adults and children gathering tailgate style with food, blankets, and chairs to catch their favorite parades and throws. The streets are filled with the sounds of jazz bands, the sight of elaborate floats and costumes, and the aroma of delicious food. The energy is palpable, and the sense of community is infectious.
Food also takes center stage during Mardi Gras, especially King Cake, as Mardi Gras season is the only time of year you should indulge in the sweet brioche like cake with

rich fillings and smothered in purple, green, and gold glazes and sugar. Nothing calls you out faster as an outsider than partaking in King Cake outside of the season.

Of course Mardi Gras is an opportunity to enjoy some of New Orleans famous libations. Hurricanes, Daiquiris, Sazeracs, and King Cake Shots are readily available at bars, restaurants, and street vendors throughout the Mardi Gras celebrations. Many establishments also create special drinks for the season.

And while cocktails are our jam with New Dawn’s 6-year old bourbon, we are feeling a bit nostalgic this Mardis Gras season and will leave you instead with a classic, albeit off the beaten path, cocktail for you to try this Mardi Gras.