Mardi Gras 2025: New Orleans parade schedules and everything you need to know

Mardi Gras season is in full swing, bringing weeks of vibrant celebrations, festive parades, and deep-rooted traditions. While originally a religious holiday marking the start of Lent, Mardi Gras has transformed into an internationally recognized festival celebrated in various cities worldwide.

Among the most famous locations for Mardi Gras festivities is New Orleans, Louisiana, where the celebrations last for weeks, featuring extravagant parades, colorful costumes, and delicious king cakes. Whether you're a local, a visitor, or watching from afar, here’s everything you need to know about Mardi Gras 2025, including key dates and parade schedules.

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When is Mardi Gras 2025?

Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday" in French, falls on March 4, 2025. This is the day before Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025), which marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season leading up to Easter Sunday.

Because Mardi Gras is based on the lunar calendar, its date shifts each year, always occurring 47 days before Easter.

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Why is Mardi Gras celebrated in New Orleans?

Mardi Gras has deep historical roots, originating thousands of years ago from pagan spring and fertility festivals before being integrated into Christian traditions. It became especially prominent in Louisiana due to French and Cajun influences in the region.

New Orleans, known for its rich cultural heritage, has embraced Mardi Gras as a defining event, featuring lavish parades, live music, masquerade balls, and street parties throughout the city.

Mardi Gras 2025 parade schedule in New Orleans

The final days leading up to Fat Tuesday feature some of the most anticipated parades of the season. Here’s a breakdown of key parade dates, locations, and times.

Friday, February 28

• Krewe of Bosom Buddies – 11:30 a.m. | French Quarter
• Krewe of Hermes – 5:30 p.m. | Uptown New Orleans
• Krewe d'État – 6:30 p.m. | Uptown New Orleans
• Krewe of Selene – 6:30 p.m. | Slidell

Saturday, March 1

• Krewe of Iris – 11 a.m. | Uptown New Orleans
• Krewe of Tucks – Noon | Uptown New Orleans
• Krewe of Endymion – 4 p.m. | Mid-City New Orleans

Sunday, March 2

• Krewe of Okeanos – 11 a.m. | Uptown New Orleans
• Krewe of Thoth – Noon | Uptown New Orleans
• Krewe of Bacchus – 5:15 p.m. | Uptown New Orleans

Monday, March 3

• Krewe of Proteus – 5:15 p.m. | Uptown New Orleans
• Krewe of Orpheus – 6 p.m. | Uptown New Orleans

Mardi Gras Day – Tuesday, March 4

• Krewe of Zulu – 8 a.m. | Uptown New Orleans
• Krewe of Rex – 10:30 a.m. | Uptown New Orleans
• Krewe of Argus – 11 a.m. | Metairie

Post-Mardi Gras parades

Even after Fat Tuesday, some parades continue:

• Krewe of Barkus (March 9) – French Quarter
• Krewe of Mardi Paws (March 9) – Covington
• Krewe du Pooch (March 15) – Mandeville

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What to expect at Mardi Gras in New Orleans

If you're planning to attend Mardi Gras 2025 in person, here are a few things to expect:

1. Colorful parades and floats

New Orleans hosts some of the most elaborate Mardi Gras parades in the world, featuring handcrafted floats, marching bands, and costumed performers tossing beads and trinkets to crowds.

2. Iconic Mardi Gras traditions

Some of the most famous Mardi Gras traditions include:

• King Cake – A sweet pastry with purple, green, and gold icing, hiding a small plastic baby inside. Whoever finds the baby must host the next party.
• Bead Throwing – Revelers collect beads, trinkets, and doubloons from parade floats.
• Masquerade Balls – Exclusive Mardi Gras balls hosted by various krewes.

3. Street celebrations and live music

Beyond the parades, expect street parties, jazz performances, and festive events across the city, especially in the French Quarter.