Coming this Mardi Gras Season!!!
Hey there, party people! It’s Karen Brem here, your saucy and ever-so-fabulous marketing director for the Historic Mardi Gras Inn. And let me tell you, sugar, Mardi Gras season is finally here! The air in New Orleans is practically buzzing with anticipation, glitter, and the faint scent of king cake (and maybe a little bourbon).
Before we dive into the glorious chaos of today’s kickoff events, let me spill the tea on your perfect Mardi Gras home base. Our darling inn is not just fabulously located one block from the French Quarter—putting you right in the heart of the action—but it’s also a short two-minute strut to the streetcar stop. Whether you’re heading to the Marigny, Uptown, or wherever your glittery heart desires, the streetcar will whisk you away in true NOLA style.
Oh, and did I mention? The Historic Mardi Gras Inn is now proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated, honey. We’re rolling out the rainbow carpet for all of you, serving up love, acceptance, and vibes as warm as a praline fresh out of the oven. Plus, we’ve just finished a fabulous top-to-bottom renovation—inside and out. The place is looking so good, it might steal a few beads at the parades! But enough about us. Let’s talk about why you’re really here: the kickoff of Mardi Gras 2025! For information on accommodations just call us directly at 504.949.5815 OR 1.800.209.9408. You may also visit online at historicmardigrasinn.com.
Phunny Phorty Phellows (6:00 PM at Willow Street Car Barn, Uptown)
First up, the Phunny Phorty Phellows, the official krewe to kick off Carnival season. Picture this: a gaggle of masked revelers, dressed to the nines (and tens and elevens), hopping aboard a streetcar at the Willow Street Car Barn Uptown. At precisely 6:00 PM, they’ll roll through the streets, sipping champagne, tossing beads, and reminding the city why Mardi Gras is the most wonderful time of the year.
This krewe is quirky, fun, and utterly charming—a perfect appetizer for the feast of festivities to come. If you’re near the streetcar line, grab a spot, wave your hands, and catch a few beads (or just cheer them on as they raise a toast to the start of Carnival).
Funky Uptown Krewe (Following the Phunny Phorty Phellows)
Now, if you like your Mardi Gras with a side of funk (and who doesn’t?), you’ll love the Funky Uptown Krewe. They’re all about bringing the grooves, good vibes, and glittery chaos to the streets. This krewe rolls right after the Phellows, lighting up the night with costumes that could put a disco ball to shame.
The Funky Uptown Krewe turns up the volume on Carnival traditions, adding modern flair to the classic parade scene. Think bold brass bands, funky beats, and an electric atmosphere that will have you dancing in the streets faster than you can say, “Throw me something, mister!”
Krewe of Joan of Arc (7:00 PM in the French Quarter)
Finally, let’s take a moment to honor the queen of fierce herself, Joan of Arc. The Krewe of Joan of Arc parade is pure magic—combining history, art, and a dash of drama. Starting at 7:00 PM at Bienville and North Front Streets, this walking parade winds its way through the French Quarter with costumed revelers portraying scenes from the life of Joan of Arc.
Expect knights in shining armor, dazzling medieval-inspired outfits, and even a giant golden horse. This krewe brings the class and the sass, with handmade throws that include iconic keepsakes like mini swords and saintly medallions. It’s a parade fit for a queen—literally.
Why Mardi Gras Is the Heartbeat of NOLA
Here’s the thing, boo: Mardi Gras isn’t just a season; it’s a lifestyle. From the moment the first bead hits the ground to the final march on Fat Tuesday, this city transforms into a kaleidoscope of joy, music, and unapologetic fabulousness. Locals and visitors alike revel in the magic that makes New Orleans unlike any other place on Earth.
Whether you’re raising a glass to the Phunny Phorty Phellows, shaking it with the Funky Uptown Krewe, or channeling your inner medieval royalty with Joan of Arc, today’s events are just the beginning of the glitter-drenched, bead-strewn, dance-filled extravaganza that is Mardi Gras.
So, grab your best feather boa, lace up those sequined sneakers, and get out there. And when the night winds down, we’ll be waiting at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn to welcome you back with open arms and big smiles. Here’s to a season of revelry, love, and making memories that sparkle as bright as a Mardi Gras doubloon.
Laissez les bon temps rouler, darling! 💜💚💛