20 Photos Taken By Tourists At Mardi Gras In New Orleans (That'll Give You A Clear Idea Of What To Expect)

Mardi Gras, the celebration that originally found its roots in medieval Europe, has now become a whirlwind of flash color, excitement, jazz music, and, well, some NOLA-specific traditions (NOLA is short for New Orleans, Louisiana). So what can you expect when walking down the streets of New Orleans for the state's largest party celebration? Quite a lot, beginning with the floats.

A massive parade descends down the mains streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras and by massive, we mean all month long. Next come the outfits (or the lack thereof, occasionally... to each their own, yaknow?), which consist of anything neon and flashy, to head-to-toe sequined fashion in traditional Mardi Gras colors: green, gold, and purple.

Last but not least, in order to attend, you'll need some beads. The more beads the better, as it is tradition to be decked out in these metallic strands by the end of the night. Ready to get your jazz on and catch some beads? Fire up the float!

20 The After Parties Are Where The Real Magic... Or Voodoo... Happens

While the parades during the day are family-friendly and are attended by practically everyone who lives within a reasonable distance of the city, the after-hours events are where things get crazy. This is a chance for the celebration to continue, as most non-essential businesses are shut down just for this holiday.

19 Anything Goes, Including Boas, Rainbows, And Neon Hair

Do it up! Traditionally, Mardi Gras has been a place for people to express themselves and celebrate all that is New Orleans and its founding. The celebration is a feel-good event that encourages anyone and everyone to show up, get down, and boogie like there's no tomorrow... Because for some of them, Fat Tuesday will likely be a Hungover Tuesday.

18 The Floats Have More Of A Glow-Up Than We'll Ever Experience

The parades are the main attraction this week and it's easy to see why. With such glamour and glitz, these floats are unmistakable. They celebrate everything, from local businesses to the history of the French and New Orleans-specific themes. This is also where you should keep an eye out for beads!

17 'Krewes' Come Out To Celebrate Their History

In 1704, Masque de la Mobile, a secret society, was formed. It's believed that this was similar to today's 'krewes' as they're known, says Mardi Gras New Orleans, who have their own floats and march in the parade. Each krewe has different themes, costumes, float souvenirs, and stories: Some celebrate traditional carnival, while others are modern with celebrity guests.

16 Everyone Has A Unique Seat

This isn't to say that everyone is hinging on lamposts and swinging from the streets (maybe during some late-night parties). When the balconies are full - and if you've ever been to the French Quarter, you know - what do you do? Pull a Batman and scurry up the closest street sign.

15 Some Of The Costumes Are Pretty Sweet

When we say that 'anything goes', we mean anything goes. The costumes you'll see are quirky, fun, and many clever, celebrating not only New Orleans, but Louisiana as well. Blue Bell is a big hit in the deep south and hey... Everyone loves ice cream, right? We all scream for Mardi Gras!

14 Lost Some Sequins? Never Fear, Free Costume Repair Is Here

The costumes are so intricate, in fact, that occasionally people will offer free repair services. Whether it's a sequin that's been un-threaded or a tear in your flashy skirt, someone is always ready at the helm to repair what's been damaged. In a crowd like this, it's not surprising to lose a button or two.

13 New Orleans Prides Itself On Its History And Deep-Rooted Tradition

Overall, this celebration is a holiday for the state of Louisiana. Fat Tuesday, the actual holiday, is a day of celebratory history and fun, a day where people literally dance in streets and partake in local events.

It's about a party that was started back in 1699 for New Orleans, and never really ended.

12 Even Toddlers Aren't Safe From The Beads

Oops - did we mention you should watch your kids? Otherwise, they might end up covered in beads! Contrary to the rumors of what happens when the sun goes down in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is a family-friendly event. The parades, floats, and customs are intended for everyone - age isn't a factor.

11 The Balcony Is The Best Place For Viewing... Get There Early!

As you can see, the crowds build up and they build up quickly. If you're not marching in the parade, then your best bet is to line up somewhere easy and preferably, somewhere high up. The balcony gives the best view, but you might not catch as many float souveniers - take your pick and man your station!

10 Dancing In The Streets Is Not Uncommon

Like we said, this festival encompasses all good NOLA feelings. Dancing is a common Mardi Gras occurrence (and is encouraged!) because jazz music fills the streets for these few days.

Everything from brass music to Big Band can be heard echoing from these parades, so get your dancing shoes and dance the blues.

9 We Did Say 'Anything Goes'

We've got nothing for this one... mainly because this photo speaks for itself. This funky, slightly chaotic holiday gives way to expression in ways you'd never imagine, and it all starts with the costumes. From traditional to nuance, people dress up however they want to incite a laugh, a clever remark, or to honor tradition.

8 For Many People, The Celebration Starts Early... Like, Before Breakfast

Both those who live in Louisiana and those who come in from out of town take part in the celebrating fairly early. This is an all-day (multiple-day) event, and while Fat Tuesday is the height of it all, the celebration begins before, and ends long after, the day is over.

7 It's The Longest, Loudest Celebration You'll Ever Attend

New Orleans knows how to party and they know how to party hard. If you've ever seen the city celebration when the Saints won the Super Bowl, imagine that... but bigger.

It's hard to believe, but Mardi Gras sees roughly 1.2 million people every year for this one holiday. That's roughly 3.5x the size of the city's population.

6 We Had A Different Name For These Back In College

We said the parades are family-friendly, but we never said that drinking wasn't considered an event custom. For the younger crowd (and even the older, sometimes!), this is all part of the Festivus that is Fat Tuesday. It's about having a good time, celebrating New Orleans, and, yes, plenty of traditional food and drink.

5 Even Babies Who Have Yet To Be Born Partake In The Joyous Huzzahs

Do you believe us yet? Anything goes! This cute display of NOLA pride is something these babies will be able to look back on, and that's pretty cool. Whether you're celebrating home, love, the earth, or simply just happiness, Mardi Gras has a place for everyone willing to devote time to Louisiana's greatest city.

4 The Cleanup Is The Truly Unruly Part Of Every Mardi Gras

The aftermath is the one thing that many don't love about the city's massive holiday. After all the floats have gone through, when the music stops, there's a massive clean-up to undertake. The streets resemble Time Square after New Year's, except rather than gold and silver, these streets are painted neon.

3 When The Krewes Come Marching In, You Know Things Are About To Get Turnt Up

The krewes know how to party, but they also know how to represent. Draped in boas, outfitted in sequins, and some even wearing traditional carnival or masquerade masks, these tributes all go back to France's early culture. 'Pointe du Mardi Gras' was the name of the first celebration, and it was celebrated openly in NOLA in 1702.

2 Truly Unique, But Occasionally Terrifying, Sculptures

Mardi Gras is often referred to as the 'greatest free show on earth' and with float additions like these, it's easy to see why. Over the centuries, these flats reflected points in history - the mocking of Darwin, political facets, etc. Today, they still very much represent the traditional Carnival theme, hence the scary Medusa.

1 Yes, There Is A Baby Butt Sticking Out Of That Cake

Ah, King Cakes. Another French tradition, these cakes are braided, baked and covered with Mardi Gras colors which represent justice, faith, and power. A plastic baby is usually found inside (chew carefully), symbolic of the Epiphany, otherwise known as the Twelfth Night in New Orleans.

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