Beyond the super-sized floats, coconuts and doubloons of the iconic Zulu and Rex parades, New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras with dozens of other fantastical events.
The Fat Tuesday parties kick off before the sun rises and continue throughout the day across the city, especially in the French Quarter.
Here’s a look at a few events revelers can join in on. And remember, everywhere else it’s just another Tuesday.
The North Side Skull and Bone Gang walk on Bayou Rd. on Mardi Gras morning in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune)
Skull and Bones
In the early morning hours of Fat Tuesday, revelers can watch as one of Mardi Gras’ oldest traditions takes the streets in the Treme, stopping door to door to wake up residents as they pay homage to those who have died and remind us that death is not that far away.
The North Side Skull and Bones Gang continues a 200-year Black masking tradition. They start at 5 a.m., typically on Bayou Road, the oldest road in New Orleans.
The group is led by Big Chief Bruce Sunpie Barnes.
Sunrise Set at Tipitina’s
For the rest of the early risers, Tipitina’s is offering a free sunrise show with performances from Bra’s Band Brass Band, Big Chief Juan Pardo and The Golden Comanches with Billy Iuso.
Doors will open at 5 a.m. and no tickets are necessary.
The Societe de Sainte Anne walks down Burgundy Street in the Bywater neighborhood during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune)
St. Anne walking parade
Costuming is an integral part of Mardi Gras and some of the most vibrant and creative examples can be seen in the Marigny and French Quarter for the St. Anne walking parade.
The Societe de Sainte Anne, a 50-year-old marching club, gathers around 10 a.m. in the streets of the Marigny for what eventually turns into a costumed block party.
The krewe and its followers then meander through the Quarter, ending at the Mississippi River, where many participants create memorials to honor loved ones who have passed on.
Bourbon Street Awards
The annual Mardi Gras costume contest party hosted drag queens Fatsy Cline and Varla Jean Merman starts at 12 p.m. on the corner of St. Ann and Dauphine Streets.
The event celebrates the LGBTQ community and contestants compete in four categories: best group, best drag, best leather and best individual costumes.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
