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How to Mardi Gras Like a Local in New Orleans — Beads, Brass, and Beignets

How to Mardi Gras Like a Local in New Orleans — Beads, Brass, and Beignets

If you think Mardi Gras is just about catching plastic beads on Bourbon Street, New Orleanians would like to have a word. Probably over a Sazerac. So here's a not-so-buttoned-up guide to doing Mardi Gras the New Orleans way — sharp, cheeky, educated, and a little fabulous (just like the locals).

Ah, New Orleans. The Crescent City. Home of jazz, ghosts, decadent pralines, and more powdered sugar than a Dunkin’ Donuts warehouse. But for a few glorious, glittering weeks every year, New Orleans becomes something more. It becomes a technicolor fever dream called Mardi Gras — a celebration that melds ancient Catholic ritual, French-Creole flair, and "this-could-only-happen-in-New-Orleans" chaos into one unforgettable experience.

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🎭 What Is Mardi Gras, Really?

Let’s clear one thing up: Mardi Gras is not just a day. It’s a season — like hurricane season, but with more glitter and less existential dread. Starting on Twelfth Night (January 6th) and climaxing on Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday), Mardi Gras is New Orleans’ answer to winter: go big, or go home. And then go eat a po’ boy.

The word “Mardi Gras” translates to "Fat Tuesday," alluding to the grand finalé of indulgence before Lent's 40-day fast (or a modest attempt at one).

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🌟 Krewe Culture: The Beating Heart of the Festivities

The Krewe of Rex, established in 1872, is the granddaddy of them all — a regal, polished affair steeped in tradition. Meanwhile, the Krewe of Muses (an all-female krewe) throws hand-decorated shoes instead of beads, because who doesn’t want to catch couture on the sidewalk?

The real magic of Mardi Gras is in the parades — and behind every parade is a mysteriously named “krewe” (pronounced like ‘crew’ but 1,000% more fabulous). These are the secret societies slash party planners responsible for the jaw-dropping floats that roll through New Orleans neighborhoods.

For artier, quirkier vibes, head to Bywater and Marigny for the Krewe of Chewbacchus — where sci-fi nerds and costumed Wookiees parade in handmade floats powered by bicycles and IPA.

🎷 Parades to Bookmark (And Camp Out For)

Uptown holds most of the big-ticket parades, including Endymion, Bacchus, and Zulu — where coconuts are the coveted throw. (Pro tip: they’re hand-painted. They don’t throw them. You catch one, you treasure it.)

Looking for something more...avant-garde? Frenchmen Street’s Krewe of ‘tit Rex features miniature shoebox floats so detailed they could be in the MoMA. They're rolled out on wagons and showcase sharp social satire—at two feet tall. It’s genius.

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🧁 Eat the Cake. It’s Mandatory.

If you visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras and don’t try King Cake, you might be deported. These circular, cinnamon-sugar confections — often topped with tri-colored icing (purple for justice, gold for power, green for faith) — hide a tiny plastic baby inside.

Find the baby? Congratulations: you’re morally obligated to buy the next cake. And no, you don’t get to opt out. Try Dong Phuong Bakery's King Cake (their impeccably flaky version is so culty, they have to ration them). You can find them via their official website here.

Looking for savory over sweet? Nothing says Mardi Gras recovery breakfast like a fried oyster po’ boy or a piping hot bowl of crawfish étouffée. You’ll need the calories. Trust us.

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🎶 The After-Party Never Ends: Mardi Gras Beyond Bourbon

Yes, everyone’s heard of Bourbon Street — and while it’s Mardi Gras’ frattiest cousin (think: hurricanes served in plastic fishbowls), the true spirit of Carnival lives elsewhere.

Bayou St. John and the Marigny neighborhood offer intimate, soul-soaked celebrations where brass bands serenade the streets and kids play drums on upturned paint cans. Frenchmen Street is for music lovers, with jazz clubs like The Spotted Cat Music Club drawing in locals and travelers alike.

You’ll also want to experience “Mardi Gras Indians” — African American tribes who spend all year hand-sewing feathered suits for a singular day of revelry, performance, and cultural pride. You won’t find them on the official schedule, but if you do happen upon one? Count yourself blessed.

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🎭 Costume Like You Mean It

One does not simply “dress up” for Mardi Gras. One transforms. We’re talking wigs, sequins, feathers, tulle. And that’s just on the dog. New Orleanians believe in sartorial expression as spiritual practice. If you’re planning to spectate, fine — but throw on a purple boa at minimum. Blend in, or at least sparkle trying.

🔮 Where to Stay — and How Early to Book

Want a balcony room on St. Charles Avenue for parade season? You and every other Mardi Gras romantic. Book at least 8-12 months in advance — seriously. Neighborhoods like the Garden District, Faubourg Marigny, or even Mid-City land you close to parade routes without the Bourbon madness.

For accommodations with authentic local charm, look at boutique hotels like The Pontchartrain Hotel or Hotel Peter & Paul. Visit New Orleans’ official tourism site for hotel listings and booking help: neworleans.com.

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☀️ Final Thoughts: Mardi Gras Is a State of Mind

Whether you’re catching coconuts, hiking for king cake, or dancing in the rain to a 16-piece brass band, Mardi Gras is messy, moving, and magical.

This celebration isn’t about tourists; it’s about tradition. Culture. Joy. Resistance. Revelry. It's New Orleans being absolutely, unapologetically itself.

So throw on your costume, grab your go-cup, and remember: it’s not just a party. It’s a pilgrimage.

Laissez les bons temps rouler.

🔗 Plan your trip → NewOrleans.com

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FAQs

Is Mardi Gras safe for families?

Absolutely — especially Uptown parades and daytime events. Some areas (like the French Quarter at night) are more adult-focused, but overall it's a very family-friendly festival.

Where can I try the best King Cake in New Orleans?

Dong Phuong Bakery is legendary. Locals also swear by Manny Randazzo’s and Haydel’s. Try multiple for “research” purposes.

Which Mardi Gras krewe throws coconuts?

The historically Black Krewe of Zulu throws hand-decorated coconuts, a high honor in the world of parade "throws."

What is the best time to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras?

The ideal time is the two weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday (which changes yearly between February and March). That’s when the major parades roll and the energy peaks.

Do I need tickets to attend Mardi Gras parades?

No tickets required! Most parades are free and open to the public. Some exclusive viewing stands or balls may require tickets, but the parades themselves are a street-party extravaganza.

What should I wear to Mardi Gras in New Orleans?

Go big or go costume-less. Think wigs, sequins, feathers. Purple, green, and gold reign supreme. And yes, locals dress up too. Especially on Fat Tuesday.

Ghouls, Graves & Gumbo: Exploring the Haunted Side of New Orleans

Ghouls, Graves & Gumbo: Exploring the Haunted Side of New Orleans

New Orleans wears many hats — jazz capital, culinary mecca, Mardi Gras madness — but beneath the beads and beignets lies something darker. Something older. Something... still lingering. Welcome to the haunted side of New Orleans, where the line between the living and the dead is thinner than a Café du Monde beignet in August humidity.

Here’s your offbeat, spine-tingling guide to the ghostly underbelly of NOLA. Bring your appetite for the paranormal — and maybe a strong Sazerac (or two).

1. The French Quarter: Charming by Day, Chilling by Night

Strolling the cobblestone labyrinth of the French Quarter, unaware tourists might think they’re in for a whimsical escape of street performers and powdered sugar. But linger past dusk and you’ll feel it — a cold shiver down the spine, the faint sound of footsteps behind you, and creaky shutters that move when there is no wind.

The LaLaurie Mansion on Royal Street is notorious. Madame Delphine LaLaurie may have been the belle of 1830s high society, but she had a monstrous double life that makes American Horror Story look like children’s theater. The tales of her cruelty and the spirits left behind make this one of the most haunted homes in the United States.

Ghost tours thrive in the Quarter for good reason. Guides regale with stories of brothels with spectral visitors, spirits spotted in the windows of old hotels, and bars where drinks have literally flown off the shelves. Haunted history tours like those from Haunted History Tours of New Orleans make for a thrilling evening walk with more goosebumps than a midnight ride on a swamp fan boat.

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2. Above Ground and Six Feet Scarier: The Haunted Cemeteries

You’ve likely seen images of New Orleans’cemeteries — ornate cities of the dead with crypts housing generations of families. Due to the city’s high water table, New Orleans buries its dead in tombs raised above ground. As practical as it is photogenic, these cemeteries are also hotbeds of restless spirits and voodoo legend.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the grande dame of these necropolises and the final resting place of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Her tomb is often marked with Xs and lipstick kisses from those hoping to curry spiritual favor. Though closed to individual visitors due to vandalism, guided tours are still allowed and highly recommended.

Tip: Book with licensed guides who have access to restricted areas and, more importantly, know how to respectfully interpret the deep cultural significance of these burial grounds.

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3. Voodoo, Hoodoo, and How You Doin’?

Visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum in the French Quarter to learn about the true practice. Better yet, take a voodoo tour to Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park where enslaved Africans once held ceremonies blending dance, drums, and defiance.

Marie Laveau wasn't just an excellent hairstylist and community leader — she was an undisputed force of spiritual power. Voodoo remains an integral part of New Orleans culture, but it’s often misunderstood. It’s not devil worship or black magic. It’s a syncretic religion rooted in West African traditions, with a firm respect for the spirit world and ancestral connection.

And if you’re after something a touch more... mystical, visit Island of Salvation Botanica, a voodoo spiritual shop with candles, talismans and, if you're ready, a psychic reading included with a purchase of herbal oils.

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4. Haunted Hospitality: Sleep with Spirits

If you're brave enough to rest your weary head amidst lingering energies, New Orleans has hotels with just as many ghosts as guests.

At the famously haunted Hotel Monteleone, located on Royal Street, ghosts reportedly include a man who died of a broken heart and a small boy who likes to ride the elevators solo. The carousel-themed rotating bar is possibly your best shot at liquid courage.

The Bourbon Orleans Hotel was once a convent, an orphanage, and even a theater. Now, it's a hotel where visitors report sightings of ghost children, Civil War soldiers, and even spectral dancers in the ballroom.

5. Haunted Bites and Eerie Elixirs

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Even ghosts dine well in NOLA. Muriel’s Jackson Square is one of the city's most haunted restaurants. Spirits have reportedly joined diners at reserved tables (no, really — the restaurant sets a place for its resident ghost). Dining on shrimp and grits has never felt more deliciously eerie.

If you like your apparitions served with absinthe, head to the Old Absinthe House. The bar isn’t just haunted — it’s history-saturated, visited by the likes of Jean Lafitte and Andrew Jackson back when duels were still a thing.

For a spookier brunch, try The Court of Two Sisters, where ghostly figures have reportedly been spotted sweeping through its famously lush courtyard.

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Final Thoughts: Is New Orleans Really Haunted?

Well, is gumbo spicy? Is jazz best played after midnight? New Orleans is undeniably alive — but it's equally animated by those who never left. Whether you're a skeptic or a seeker, it's impossible to walk its rain-slicked streets and not feel something ancient and mystical lingering in the air.

After all, you don’t get called the most haunted city in America for nothing.

Ready to meet the ghosts of New Orleans?

Visit NewOrleans.com for official city information and to plan your eerie escape.

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FAQs About the Haunted Side of New Orleans

Q: What is the most haunted place in New Orleans?

Q: Which cemeteries in New Orleans are haunted?

A: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most famous, but Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District also has eerie tales and stunning tombs.

Q: What’s the best haunted hotel in New Orleans?

A: The Bourbon Orleans or the Hotel Monteleone are both great options for travelers seeking ghosts with their turn-down service.

Q: Are ghost tours kid-friendly?

A: Most ghost tours are suitable for older kids, though some contain mature content. Check with individual tour operators for age recommendations.

Q: Is it safe to take a ghost tour at night?

A: Yes, especially when you go with a reputable tour company. Stick to well-lit areas and stay with the group — unless you're okay getting haunted AND lost.

A: The LaLaurie Mansion in the French Quarter takes the top honor. With a blood-chilling history and consistent paranormal sightings, it's widely considered one of the most haunted houses in the country.

Q: Can you visit Marie Laveau’s tomb?

A: Yes, but only with a licensed guide through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. The cemetery is otherwise closed to the public to prevent vandalism.

Q: Are voodoo tours respectful and educational?

A: Absolutely—especially when led by knowledgeable local guides. These tours demystify voodoo and offer an authentic look into a deeply spiritual and rich cultural tradition.

Venice’s Carnival: A Spellbinding Dance of Masks, Mystery, and Magic

Venice’s Carnival: A Spellbinding Dance of Masks, Mystery, and Magic

Venice, the city that floats, knows how to throw a party. And by party, I mean a two-week-long, otherworldly spectacle where the streets become stages, the canals reflect centuries of tradition, and anonymity is not just welcomed—it’s celebrated. Welcome to the **Carnival of Venice**, the masked extravaganza where time bends, mystery reigns, and you (yes, you!) get to slip into an 18th-century character without raising any eyebrows.

A Little History (Because Context Matters)

What started in the **12th century** as a celebration of victory turned into Europe’s most decadent festival. By the **18th century**, the Venetian aristocracy was reveling in anonymous hedonism behind elaborately adorned **Volto, Bauta, and Colombina masks**. Napoleon eventually shut it all down (spoiler: he was no fun), and it wasn’t until 1979 that Italians resurrected the grand tradition. Today? It’s a dazzling fusion of history, performance, and sheer visual delight.

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Where the Magic Happens: Can’t-Miss Spots During Carnival

St. Mark’s Square: The Heartbeat of Carnival

If Venice’s **Piazza San Marco** is the city’s main stage, then Carnival is its award-winning theatrical production. This is where the iconic **Flight of the Angel** takes place—a gravity-defying tradition where a costumed performer descends from **St. Mark’s Campanile** in a breathtaking spectacle. 

Expect elaborate **costume contests** and an abundance of **handmade masks**, each more mesmerizing than the last. Best part? You don’t need an invite to be part of it—just put on a mask and blend in.

The Grand Masquerade Balls: Where Extravagance Takes Center Stage

If your heart beats faster at the thought of **velvet cloaks, gilded salons, and candlelit waltzes**, you need to secure an invite (or ticket) to **Il Ballo del Doge**, the most exclusive event of the Carnival. Think Marie Antoinette levels of decadence. Not into splurging thousands? Many palazzos along the **Grand Canal** host more budget-friendly (yet equally magical) affairs—keep an eye on local event listings.

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The Mystique of Venice’s Hidden Alleys

Beyond the grand events, the true charm of Carnival is wandering through the **labyrinthine streets of Venice**, where masked figures glide past dimly lit alleyways, laughing in hushed tones. Stumble upon **small squares (campi)** where street performers and musicians transport you to another era with their art.

Culinary Delights: What to Eat During Carnival

Cicchetti & Spritz – Make a pit stop at a bacaro (Venetian wine bar) for cicchetti (small bites) paired with a classic Aperol Spritz—because nothing says masquerade sophistication like sipping bubbly orange cocktails in a mask.

Besides revelry, Venice does indulgence exceptionally well. During Carnival, you’ll want to sample:

Frittelle – These deep-fried, sugar-dusted dough bites (often filled with custard or raisins) are a seasonal staple.  

Galani (Chiacchiere) – Light, crispy pastries with a dusting of powdered sugar. You won’t stop at one.

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How to Blend In Like a Venetian (Or at Least Fake It Well)

Want to pass as a Carnival insider? Here’s what you need to know:

✔ Invest in a quality mask. The best ones are handmade using traditional Venetian techniques, not mass-produced plastic knockoffs. Shops like Ca’ Macana offer some of the finest.  

✔ Embrace period costumes. If you’re going for the full experience, rent from places like **Atelier Nicolao**, where opera and theater productions get their wardrobe.  

✔ Be mysterious. The essence of Carnival is intrigue—speak softly, move gracefully, and leave a little to the imagination.

When & How to Experience Venice Carnival  

📆 Dates: Carnival season varies each year, but it typically starts two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Mardi Gras. Check the official website: Venice Carnival  

Getting There: Fly into **Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)** or take a scenic train ride to **Santa Lucia Station**.  

🚤 Getting Around: Vaporetto (water bus) or, better yet, explore **on foot**—Venice is best seen at a leisurely, meandering pace.  

💰 Cost: Public events are free, but **masquerade balls & private concerts** range from €100 to well over €800 for the grandest affairs.

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FAQs – Your Burning Questions, Answered

How crowded does it get?

Very. Venice already isn’t a secret destination, and Carnival takes it up a notch. Book accommodations early (as in, months in advance).  

Is it family-friendly?  

Yes! There are **street performances, music, and non-ticketed events** for all ages to enjoy.

Is Venice Carnival worth it?

If you enjoy **history, theatrics, and unapologetic opulence**, absolutely. If crowds make you sweat, consider visiting just before or after the peak days.  

Do you have to dress up?

No, but it’s **way more fun if you do**. Even a simple mask will make you feel like part of the spectacle.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go?  

Venice during Carnival isn’t just about costumes and theatrics—it’s about stepping into another world, where fantasy and reality blur, even if just for a moment. Whether you’re donning a full 18th-century ensemble or simply sipping Bellinis on the Grand Canal, this is one event you need to experience at least once in your lifetime.  

And hey, where else can you hide behind an elaborate mask, dance in candlelit ballrooms, and pretend you’re Venetian nobility for a few days?  

Buon Carnevale! 🎭  

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Venice, the City of Love

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Venice, the City of Love

Venice, Italy is one of the top destinations in the world that couples want to visit as it is considered the most romantic city on earth. This, however, does not mean that it appeals only to people who are in love. Before visiting the place, be sure to visit Venice Travel Guide and Offline City Map Support Below are four reasons why you should visit Venice even if you are single.

1. The Restaurants

Venice is quite popular with tourists and so most of the restaurants near the known tourist spots have started catering more to foreigners. Cuisine from various countries can be found in these establishments, giving you a chance to taste various foreign dishes. If you prefer tasting local cuisine, just go to parts of the city with few tourists. Restaurants in these areas are frequented mostly by locals so their foods remain unchanged by the booming tourism.

Venice Restaurantes by the canal
Venice Restaurantes by the canal

2. The Markets

The markets are a great way to explore the rich culture and traditions not only of Venice but the whole of Italy. Goods from all over the country can be found here. The vendors and friendly and cheerful and will happily tell you about the history of any item you ask about. The shops and stalls are vibrant and colorful and will certainly make your shopping a very pleasant experience.

3. The Alleys

Venice has so many attractions just thinking where to look can be quite overwhelming. The best way to truly appreciate the beauty of the city is to simply get lost. Just keep walking around wherever your feet take you all the while paying a close look at each alley, bridge, and canal. This method of exploration is also cheap as you don’t need to buy tickets or get a taxi. When you finally decide to go back to your hotel just ask the friendly locals for directions.

Colourful Venice alleys
Colourful Venice alleys

4. The Traditions

The Ghetto is the part of town where you can experience real genuine Venice culture and traditions. The Ghetto is a small part of town that is somewhat isolated from the rest of the city. It is barely affected by the ever growing tourism industry and you can observe the locals go about their daily lives as always have.

These are a few of the lesser known reasons that make Venice a great tourist destination. You can learn of the primary reasons people visit Venice at eTips.