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Mardi Gras in New Orleans with Hotel Maison de Ville

Mardi Gras isn't really French for "party." Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and is traditionally the last big revelry before the sacrifices of Lent begin the following day - Ash Wednesday. In some places the festival season between Epiphany or Twelfth Night and Mardi Gras is called Carnival, and only the single day is known as Mardi Gras, but in New Orleans, the tradition is to refer to the entire time as Mardi Gras, though specific days during the festival may have specific names such as Family Sunday or Lundi Gras.

The first Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans dates back to 1699. We wager that the first revelers wouldn't recognize the city, let alone the parades, festivals and crowds that New Orleans is famous for today.

Mardi Gras Parades

Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans are organized by groups called Krewes. Each Krewe charges dues, organizes floats for their parade, and sets their parade route. Many Krewes also organize festivals or parties as well. One of the oldest, the Krewe of Rex, founded in 1872, set many of the Mardi Gras traditions that are still in use today. The King of Rex and his Queen preside over the Rex Ball that concludes the Mardi Gras celebrations.

Harry Connick, Jr. founded the Krewe of Orpheus, based on the story of the son of Apollo and Calliope and whose music inspired noble love. The Krewe of Orpheus parade is on Monday, February 8 and is followed by the black tie Orpheuscapade at the Convention Center.

If you're looking to have your own Krewe experience, several New Orleans Krewes do allow outside members for Mardi Gras including the Krewe of Pontchartrain. For $525 per person, you'll have the opportunity to ride on a float in a Mardi Gras parade in costume with trinkets to throw, plus a pre-parade breakfast and a post-parade after party at Tipitina's in the French Quarter.

On Monday, or Lundi Gras, the Krewe of Zulu will host their Zulu Lundi Gras festival on the banks of the Mississippi in Woldenberg Park. The Zulu King will arrive by river on board a US Coast Guard Cutter along with his entourage. A summit meeting with the King of Rex is scheduled amid the nonstop music and traditional New Orleans cuisine.

Check with the concierge for a complete list of parades and routes. Go early to stake out a good spot.

King Cakes

King Cakes are a tradition dating back to the 12th Century when people celebrated Twelfth Night - the arrival of the Wise Men with gifts for the baby Jesus. Today a trinket or baby doll is baked into the cake and whoever gets the slice with the doll is king for the day and hosts the next party. The cakes are traditionally decorated with the colors of Mardi Gras - purple, green and gold representing justice, faith and power.

If you want to try making your own, here's a traditional King's Cake recipe.

Ask five locals who has the best King's Cake in New Orleans and you'll get seven answers - it's all a matter of personal preference and family tradition. There are traditional plain cakes, cream filled cakes, and Zulu cakes. Haydel's and Randazzo's are both often mentioned as New Orleans favorites.

How do we make the most of our Mardi Gras experience?

Be smart - Just like at any crowded festival or event, don't take unnecessary valuables or cash outside the hotel. Leave anything you don't want to carry in a safe deposit box at the hotel.

Plan ahead - Know the address and phone number of the hotel and plan a meeting spot if you get separated from your group.

Be safe - Watch the floats and other parade-goers. Don't run out between floats for trinkets and watch your fingers if you bend down to pick something up from the street.

Reserve your room at Maison de Ville now - It's not too late, but don't delay. See our Mardi Gras 2008 rates.

Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.

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