When is Mardi Gras in 2009?

Mardi Gras is fast approaching! One of the frequently asked questions about it is just exactly WHEN is it?!??! Here are a few dates to help you with your planning. :)

Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day) ~ February 24th, 2009
Mardi Gras Parade Season ~ January 6th to February 24th, 2009

If you want to be sure not to miss the most talked about, famous parades be in New Orleans over the last weekend leading into Fat Tuesday ~ Friday, February 20th to Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.

There will be more posts about all things Mardi Gras soon!

Video ~ Society of Saint Anne Mardi Gras Parade 2008

22nola has provided this great fan video from Mardi Gras 2008. It shows a bit of the Society of Saint Anne and the Storyville Stompers' parade. Talk about being right in the middle of the action! Filmed at Rue Royal and Elysian Fields.

Happy Mardi Gras ~ Fleur De Lis Wallpaper

Happy Mardi Gras! To celebrate Fat Tuesday, this Fleur De Lis wallpaper is for you. Decorate your website, computer background or MySpace Page. I hope you all had a marvelous, SAFE time while you were celebrating :)

Family Fun ~ Parade of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus

I'm often asked for family friendly options, especially during Mardi Gras. The parade of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus certainly fits that description. It is composed of dogs and their owners dressed in their finest costumes. Marching through the historic streets of the French Quarter. The theme for the 2008 parade is "Indiana Bone and the Raiders of the Lost Bark." If you would like to join in the fun with your puppy, just fill out the registration form & send your $40 membership/parade fee. The best part is that all proceeds will be donated to various animal shelters and humane societies. You get to have a great time AND help doggies in need. :) They are also asking for volunteers.

The Barkus Royal Ball will be held on Saturday, January 26th, 2008 at The Windsor Court Hotel, from 8:00 PM to Midnight. It is for humans only. The only canines allowed will be the King and Queen. You do not have to be registered for the parade to attend the party. Tickets $80.00.

Mystic Krewe of Barkus

Parade ~ Sunday, January 27th, 2008

Starting from Armstrong Park at 2:00 PM

New Orleans, LA

Register Online ~ https://secure.neworleans.com/SSL-clients/barkus/

Email : info@barkus.org

When is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is fast approaching! One of the frequently asked questions about it is just exactly WHEN is it?!??! Here are a few dates to help you with your planning. :)

Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day) ~ February 5th, 2008
Mardi Gras Parade Season ~ January 25th to February 5th, 2008

If you want to be sure not to miss the most talked about, famous parades be in New Orleans over the last weekend leading into Fat Tuesday ~ Friday, February 1st to Tuesday, February 5th, 2008.

There will be more posts about all things Mardi Gras soon!

Happy Mardi Gras Day!

I want to wish all the loyal Nola - Blog readers a very, very Happy Fat Tuesday! For those of you who were fortunate enough to actually enjoy the Mardi Gras fun in New Orleans, please share your stories & photos with us. My hope is the attention and visitors that Carnival brings to NOLA will show everyone that it is alive! The city still needs our help and support in this rebuilding period. Bead on!!!

Mystic Krewe of Barkus

Often, people wonder if they can include their children in all the Mardi Gras festivites. I have friends who have taken their kiddos to watch the parades numerous times over the years. Just stay away from Bourbon Street ~ you probably guessed that, huh? ha! There is an adorable parade which is appreciated by young and old alike. The Mystic Krewe of Barkus is populated by, you guessed it, dogs! It is always a crowd pleaser. This year, they will be parading on Sunday, February 11, 2007 at 2:00pm. Here is a map of the parade route. Another great thing about Barkus is that they donate the registration fees, paid by the dog owners, to animal rescue charities!

Is there a cover charge for Mardi Gras?

People often ask if there is a cover charge for attending the Mardi Gras parades, and/or where to purchase tickets. There is no charge for watching the legendary floats & parades from the street. Since they wind their way down many blocks, you have lots of places to find a spot & cheer with the crowd. The energy is incredible! However, if you prefer not to stand along the parade route, many of the hotels & restaurants along Bourbon Street have amazing views of all the pagentry from their balconies. However, some businesses do impose a fee for a seat in their establishment on the route. They may choose to collect an entrance fee, or may only require you to buy dinner. You should inquire with the businesses themselves for more details.