Your Guide to the 2022 Mardi Gras Season

The holidays are over, and that means one thing in New Orleans: the beginning of Mardi Gras season. Whether you’re a NOLA local or a tourist visiting the Big Easy for the first time, the personal injury lawyers at Mike Brandner Law have all the information you need to have fun and stay safe during the 2022 Mardi Gras season.

How Long Is Mardi Gras Season?

January 6, 2022 – March 1, 2022

Mardi Gras season kicks off on January 6, 2022. Mardi Gras (which translates to “Fat Tuesday” in French) is the day before Ash Wednesday and represents the last day of Carnival. In 2022, that day falls on March 1, 2022. 

While Mardi Gras is technically the last day of the Carnival celebration, you may hear it used interchangeably to describe the entire Carnival festival. During Carnival, New Orleans offers tons of events to celebrate, including dozens of parades, parties, and enough food and drink to get you through the long dark days of Lent.

What Are the Best Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans?

If you’ll be in New Orleans during the 2022 Mardi Gras season, you’ll have plenty of great parades to choose from, whether you’re looking for kid-friendly processions or the wildest celebrations. Here are a few of the best and brightest.

• Krewe of Endymion: The Krewe of Endymion hosts the largest parade during all of Mardi Gras. This parade, held at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, will start in Mid-City at the intersection of City Park Avenue and Orleans Avenue and end at the Caesars Superdome. The Krewe of Endymion tosses an estimated 15 million throws and features a different Celebrity Grand Marshall each year.
• Krewe of Hermes: The Krewe of Hermes parade will feature more than 800 local businessmen, doctors, lawyers (including Mike Brandner himself), and men of other distinguished trades. Come see this krewe’s 32 colorful floats as they make their way through Uptown New Orleans on Friday, February 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. The Krewe of Hermes is led by the Captain, who will be decked out in traditional regalia on a white horse.
• Krewe of Muses: The all-women Krewe of Muses parade is a New Orleans favorite for its satirical themed floats and signature high-heeled show throws. In addition, every year one talented student’s design is featured on their throw cups. Watch more than 1,100 riders across 26 floats parade through Uptown New Orleans on Thursday, February 24 at 6:45 p.m.

See the full 2022 Mardi Gras season parade schedule for more details.

Where Are the Best Mardi Gras Parties?

Didn’t get an invite to the exclusive Ball Tableau for debutantes? Not to worry. There are plenty of open-invitation balls and parties to dance and drink the night away during Mardi Gras season.

• Endymion Extravaganza: Hang around after the Krewe of Endymion parade ends for one of the biggest block parties of the 2022 Mardi Gras season at the Caesars Superdome on Saturday, February 26. World-class performers are sure to make an appearance at this event that draws as many as 30,000 attendees each year.
• Orpheuscapade: Join the Krewe of Orpheus on February 28 at 7:00 p.m. for live music, dancing, and magnificent floats at the Ernest Morial Convention Center. This is a formal event, so dress appropriately—tuxedos and ball gowns are a must!
• Bacchus Bash: The annual Bacchus Bash will be held on Sunday, February 27 leading up to and following the 5:00 p.m. Krewe of Bacchus parade. The party starts at 10:00 a.m. at Generations Hall and will include live music, food vendors, and all day DJs.

Is Mardi Gras in New Orleans Safe?

Every year, tens of thousands of people attend Mardi Gras parades and celebrations. There’s no doubt that Carnival is one of the most exciting times to experience New Orleans. But is Mardi Gras safe?

Preventing personal injury and keeping friends and family safe should be a top priority of anyone attending Carnival. Luckily, there are some easy steps you can take to enjoy Mardi Gras 2022 safely.

Safety Tips for the 2022 Mardi Gras Season

Because of the sheer size of Mardi Gras celebrations, there are some inherent risks in attending parades and other events. Here’s what you can do to keep the party going without putting you and your fellow revelers at risk.

• Wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic all but canceled Mardi Gras in 2021. To keep this year’s celebration from becoming a super spreader event, attendees are asked to get vaccinated, take a COVID-19 test prior to arrival, and/or wear a face mask.
• Plan your transportation ahead of time. Keep in mind that due to the influx of visitors, Mardi Gras is one of the most dangerous days to travel in New Orleans. In addition, many streets will be closed to traffic, and finding parking will be more difficult than usual. If you’re driving your own vehicle, plan on leaving plenty early to allow for extra time to find parking—and prepare to walk.
• Don’t drink and drive. If you’re planning on drinking during Mardi Gras season, use public transportation, a rideshare service, or a designated driver to help get you home safely. The last thing you need after a night of heavy drinking is a DWI charge or a serious car accident.
• Stay behind the barricades. Everyone loves getting the best possible view during one of NOLA’ s famous parades, but sitting on top of barricades or climbing over them is extremely dangerous. Parade floats may not be able to see you and are unable to make sudden stops, which can result in deadly pedestrian accidents.
• Exercise caution around ladders. Although ladders are permitted at Mardi Gras to enable better visibility, remember to keep them at least six feet away from the curb. Between crowd swells and slippery surfaces, ladders can easily lead to a trip and fall accident.

• Be aware of your surroundings. With so many people in attendance (and so much booze readily available), crowds may get rowdy. Always be aware of your surroundings, the closest exits, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement or security. 
• Keep an eye out for throws. Everyone wants to catch a surprise Dubloon or beads, but no one wants to get hit in the head by a wayward Zulu coconut.

What to Do if You’re Injured During Mardi Gras

If you find yourself injured during the Mardi Gras season through no fault of your own, whether on the street or at your hotel, contact Mike Brandner Law. Our skilled team of personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to help you determine if you may be entitled to compensation.

You can reach our offices 24/7 by calling one of the numbers below. We are also available online via our LiveChat feature to answer any questions you may have. Submit your case details now to find out how Mike Brandner Law can help.