From house floats, to drive-thru spectacles. New Orleans has proven that nothing can truly cancel Mardi Gras.
Don’t let the Carnival restrictions get you down. There are plenty of ways to celebrate Mardi Gras without the parades or parties. The spirit of the city has colored NOLA purple, green and gold, in an attempt to fill that Mardi Gras void that 2021 has thrown our way.
Here are some alternative ways to celebrate Mardi Gras this carnival season:
1. Yardi Gras
It goes without saying that Yardi Gras has become such a ray of sunshine in the coronavirus storm. Especially in New Orleans, where houses all over the city have been elaborately decorated with the spirit of Carnival and NOLA at the forefront of the city’s creativity. There are houses that pay tribute to famous NOLA musicians, trees covered in beads. It’s truly a wonderland of incredible decorations that has the whole city buzzing.
2. King Cake
You can’t have a party without a cake. And considering Mardi Gras is the biggest party in NOLA, you’re going to need the baked goods to match. Luckily New Orleans is home to delicious King Cake, which is a Mardi Gras staple. There are so many incredible places to grab the Carnival delicacy. Considering there won’t be much partying going on, you may as well stock up for emotional support through the Mardi Gras 2021 blues.
3. Mardi Gras for Y’all
Mardi Gras for All Y’all is a livestreaming event taking place Feb. 12-14 created by NOLA.com, with musicians and performers, the online spectacle will include six hours of original Mardi Gras programming produced by local Carnival experts. Performances include numbers by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band,
4. Floats In The Oaks
Responsible for NOLA’s favorite Christmas tradition ‘Celebration In The Oaks’, City Park officials created a Mardi Gras version in light of the circumstances. This Carnival alternative is perfect, as the drive-thru light spectacle flips the parade on its head. You’ll drive through the incredible floats that would’ve travelled through New Orleans on Fat Tuesday, and painted it purple, green and gold.
5. Have your own kind of party!
We saw a lot of our holidays and special events turn virtual this year. Mardi Gras calls for just as much. Get that Zoom chat scheduled, dress up, stock up on beads and play that funky music. It’s Mardi Gras and it’s time to celebrate! The slogan used throughout the Mardi Gras restriction gloom has been ‘not cancelled, just different’. And New Orleans has definitely proven that this Carnival season.
Featured Image: @410inthe504 via Instagram
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