So you say you're going to the Mardi Gras?  There’s nothing quite like it in the U.S. and it can be as crazy or as calm as you want. Here are a few (well actually lots of ) things I’ve learned over the years.

The Latest Info

Getting There And What To Do

The Big Cheese's 9 Mardi Gras Tips

** THE LATEST **

Mardi Gras Day: Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 27th, 2001 this year.  Next year Mardi Gras will be Tuesday, February 12, 2002.  Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) is always the day before Ash Wednesday.  Since the date of Ash Wednesday is determined by the position of the moon, similarly the actual date of Fat Tuesday is different every year.  The Carnival season officially begins on the Feast of Epiphany which is January 6th every year.  The biggest parties, parades, floats, music, and crowds come together starting on the Friday before Mardi Gras and last through the weekend until midnight Tuesday when the streets are cleared until the next year.

Krewe of Tucks Information: The Krewe of Tucks rolls on Saturday, February 24th at 1:00 p.m.  Tucks will be featuring the new signature float, Wrestle Mania!  The Wrestler Mania float was specially created for the WCW Champions who will ride in the confines of the wrestling ring as the Tucks Celebrity Grand Marshals.  The Nitro Girls in full blossom will join Goldberg, Ric Flair, Booker T. and others who will attend the after parade Extravaganza.  The Wrestlers and their Nitro Nookies will rumble on the dance floor at the Extravaganza to the delight of all!  Be sure to yell out their names as they pass for the good throws and note the best place to watch the parade on the map below.

After the parade come by the Tucks Extravaganza Ball.  King Paul Peyronnin and Queen Renée Spratt of the Krewe of Tucks invite everyone to attend the 33rd Anniversary Krewe Extravaganza Mardi Gras Ball that Saturday, February 24, 2000 at the Sheraton Grand Ballroom on 500 Canal Street, New Orleans.  Doors open at 4:00 PM to your COMPLETE Mardi Gras party.  All food, liquor, beer, and setups are included in the ticket price (which must be pre-purchased through their website KreweofTucks.com - tickets will not be sold at the door).  You can see some pictures of the Extravaganza on the Big Cheese Mardi Gras Memories Slice (link and icon at bottom).

The Krewe of Elvis:  The Krewe of ELVIS Cyber Marching Club is looking for members for its 2001 march. They will be meeting again on Fat Tuesday at 10:15 am to march together in the French Quarter.  There is no expense other than providing your own throws.  Get the full details on this great marching krewe that anyone can join at Chip's Margi Gras site - MGLinks.com

The Pink Pimp:  Yet another Big Cheese friend - he looks something like Drew Carey, but in a bright fuzzy pink coat and hat.  Stop by the Yahoo Club area and search on on "Pink Pimp."

The Beadwhores:  Beadwhore was founded during Mardi Gras 1999 in New Orleans. The enthusiasm for catching and earning beads was infectious.  Unfortunately, when the two were looking for souvenirs to take home as memories of their trip, they realized that most of the apparel available was geared towards men.  So Beadwhore was born with women in mind.  The group celebrated a friend's birthday and created a scavenger hunt.  They received such positive feedback, they decided to make the game available for all to enjoy.  Stop by Beadwhore.com for some of their stuff and definitely look for them on Bourbon Street!

** GETTING THERE AND WHAT TO DO **

Okay, so hopefully you're already arranging for your flight or ride down there and have a hotel secured. If you don’t, you’d better act fast. Mardi Gras day is Tuesday, March 7th, 2000. I’ve found that the best time to be down there is from the previous Thursday through Wednesday. We are talking a whole week here, but it’s definitely worth it. Fly down in the afternoon/evening of the 2nd (direct if possible - you don’t want a snowed in hub to ruin your chances of getting there (it does happen)) and return on the morning/afternoon of the 8th. Thursday is nice because you get a chance to see the town before all the tourists come in for the weekend. Flying out Wednesday gives you the chance to enjoy all of Fat Tuesday through to midnight.

As to where to stay, I always suggest getting a AAA map of New Orleans and looking at the French Quarter area. The map will have little red dots at the locations of the various hotels down there. If possible stay in the Quarter in one of these hotels - you’ll be in the thick of the action and will be easily able to duck home to use the bathroom, take a nap, invite a guest over, etc. If you’re outside the Quarter it becomes difficult to travel between your hotel and "home" but the rates will be cheaper (and this time of year they will be the only ones with rooms).

Now that you have all that set, the next thing to do is order an Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Guide (see No. 7 below). You can either get one through his website, or buy one once you’re in N.O. It contains all the information regarding parade routes, times, history, etc. you'll need.  Armed with this you’ll be able to wow your friends with your vast Mardi Gras knowledge.

If you get down to N.O. early (like on Thursday, as suggested) then by all means take a cab out to Metairie and catch the all female parades (they’re listed in the guide). If you want to catch good beads, this is the place. The ladies out there tend to shower everyone with good beads.  (It can be much harder to catch throws from the great big parades that travel the downtown route.)  The atmosphere is more family-orientated out there too and provides a nice getaway from the decadence of the Quarter.  Below are 9 tips, some of which were mentioned above but still cover additional aspects of the topic.

Travel to and from New Orleans:
There are basically two ways to get to New Orleans: driving, and flying.  The difference between the two involves cost, comfort, and time.  Generally, those with a few extra bucks and the foresight to make plane reservations months in advance tend to fly, while many students usually drive.   Of course, the distance from your house to the city will no doubt sway your decision.

Driving:
Let's be honest, if you're driving, you're trying to save a few bucks therefore you should pack as many people as possible into the car (leaving space for luggage).  If enough people are going, van rental, while slightly more expensive, is a good option that will save wear and tear on any one person's car.  Either way, the more bodies the better.  More bodies gives you more drivers and a cheaper ride (albeit less comfortable).  Needless to say, driving isn't for everyone.  It's cramped, often too warm, messy, and tiring.  People get irritable, and it can take a long time.  That's without mentioning the danger of speeding tickets and accidents.  Additionally, you'll have to pay for parking usually wherever you are in N.O.  (which is not cheap).  So if you're considering driving, your wallet is cost sensitive. You're also willing to give up some degree of comfort, and have the spare time.  Depending on your departure city, it can take the better part of a day to reach N.O.

Flying:
Certainly the quickest way, but you're going to pay for the speed in dollars.  Also you might miss out on the camaraderie that comes from a long road trip - memories that will last forever.  Often those who have limited vacation days will choose the few hour flight as opposed to the several hour drive any day.  Make sure (as with all reservations for anything concerning Mardi Gras) that you purchase your tickets well in advance.  Although you may be lucky enough in the weeks before Mardi Gras to happen upon a fare war or other special, it's better not to risk the disappointment of missing the festival for an extra $40 or so.  Since Mardi Gras usually falls in February, July is a good time to purchase your ticket.  That gives you a safe 6 months lead time.

Ideally find an airline that flies non-stop from your city to New Orleans - it's well worth the few dollars extra.  Flying into Baton Rouge or Mobile should only be considered as a last resort if all the N.O. flights are full.  Going to these cities will eat up more time, and require additional transportation (like a rental car) to get to N.O. (see "driving" above).  Once arriving at N.O. Airport, there are several ways to get into the city itself, the cheapest of which is the shuttle van.  Of course there are taxis and limos available too which will take you directly to your destination.  The shuttles make many stops and may take longer to get you where you want to go.  Before boarding, always ask the shuttle information desk or the driver whether he even goes to your destination.  The shuttles go to the main downtown hotels, but your hotel might have its own private shuttle - ask when making your hotel reservations.  Obviously if you're considering flying, you don't mind spending a few extra bucks to get down there in a hurry.  You have the money and don't want to have to spend extra vacation days in transit.  Depending on your departure city, it should only take a few hours to reach N.O.

Sleeping Accommodations:
Two things: reserve early, and reserve close in to the French Quarter.  Early reservations are not just for convenience and your own piece of mind - they are necessary!  Hotels fill up for Carnival months in advance.  Without an early reservation, you are destined to room on the outskirts of town and taxi everywhere you go (it does not make for a fun time).  Close in reservations are also desired.  You'll always be happier staying downtown, or even in the Quarter, where you can walk to most everything.  Avoid cheaper deals that are only "7 miles from downtown," as you'll regret it in the end.

To find a hotel, check with a travel agent, a AAA map, or call the N.O. Chamber of Commerce and have them fax you a list (with phone numbers) of the hotels in the French Quarter/Downtown area, then work from there.  Hotel policies vary so be careful if you plan on putting more than the registered number of people in the room.  Some hotels will let you claim two people, and look the other way if you're having "guests," while others issue different colored wristbands on different days and only let registered customers through the doors.  This keeps non-guests from a) sleeping without paying, and b) from coming in to use the bathrooms (which are scarce.

Travel in the City:
Traffic is a pain, especially when parades are running and major streets are blocked off.  If you're driving yourself, make sure you have a map.  Especially in the area around the Quarter (downtown) you'll encounter many one-way streets.  Additionally, if driving to a suburban parade, you'll need a map just to get back to interstate 80.  Taxis work well, but cost you.  The cabbies know how to get around, but it's not always easy to get one (especially in the suburbs).  There is a trolley line that people sometimes use near the downtown area.  This is good for transportation up and down St. Charles Street where parades run, but they're often packed.  There are also buses, but I wouldn't count on them being too timely.

** THE BIG CHEESE'S 9 MARDI GRAS TIPS **

1) Go with a small group of the same sex.  Mardi Gras is a time to enjoy yourself. There are always constant underlying pressures accompanying staying with or spending all of your time with one or more friends of the opposite sex. Don't fall into this. A sure way to kill a friendship (or a Mardi Gras) is to feel restricted in any way due to another person. If you find yourself in such a situation then leave and get out of it - you'll do everyone involved (especially yourself) a world of good. Being with friends of the same sex also allows for some great bonding time.

2) Relax and enjoy yourself.  In the U.S., there is nothing else quite like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It is certainly the biggest and longest party in the U.S. Knowing that, you also must surmise that some wacky things can go on in a swarm of people who have been partying for days. It can be easy to let the crowds, alcohol, or even people sometimes get on your nerves. Don't let them. Rather, relax and go with it rather than fight it -you'll have a much better time.

3) Manage to see New Orleans outside the French Quarter.  Often people going to MG never leave the French Quarter for the several days they're there. This is a shame because there is much more to the city and festival than Bourbon Street. In the Quarter the Aquarium of the Americas is a pretty cool place, as is the French Market. Seeing a parade in the suburbs (like Metairie), though,  is 180 degrees different than seeing one downtown which is also about as different as seeing the same one on St. Charles Street. Fat Harry's Bar is on St. Charles and is a good stop outside the Quarter, as are the local universities -the students are obviously in the middle of partying too.

4) Make an effort to experience the unique tastes and sounds of the city.  It is easy to eat McDonald's hamburgers and quaff beer all week because it's cheap. Surprisingly, though, a plate of red beans and rice costs barely more than a burger and is infinitely more satisfying. Also try spiced crawfish, gumbo, jambalaya, oyster po-boys, and mufalattas -all food unique to the region. When you pass a bar with a jazz band in it, stop or go in and enjoy it -the same goes for street bands or a good sax player with a hat out on a corner.

5) Always consider your safety.  There have been rumors about gangs in the past who run through crowds sticking people with knives, for-hire doctors who drug you up in a bar and remove your liver for black market transplants, and a myriad of other stories. Most of these stories are false. I've never seen anything so bad and N.O. is not a dangerous place as long as you keep your common sense. Not to scare you, but safety should be considered always wherever you are. The ends of Bourbon Street are not well lit. Pass through these areas in a group at night or avoid them by taking another more lit side street. Don't find yourself alone late at night -get to where there are people. Bars and restaurants are the only places that have bathrooms with the exception of the port-o-lets near the Quarter police station on Royal Street (parallel to Bourbon). Try to avoid using a dark alley. And never buck the police - they can be a great resource and protector (especially for women), but they will just as soon throw you into jail for the night (and a $500 bail/fine) if you're rude or mess with them. Be cool to them and they will to you - and do what they say. Like I said, all of these things are just common sense.

6)Along with No. 5, be smart about your valuables.  Needless to say (I hope) you know that giant crowds of people attract pickpockets. Don’t carry a wallet in your back pocket. Don’t carry a purse at all. Don’t carry anything with you beyond some cash, a license, and maybe a credit card or ATM card. You don’t need anything else. If you’re afraid of leaving the other cards, cash, etc. in your hotel room you’re smart. Instead, use the hotel safe deposit boxes for all that stuff - then you only have to worry about where to keep the key (not on your person please).

7) Buy an Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Guide and get a map of New Orleans.  The A.H. Guide is a magazine sold everywhere (about $6.50) that lists the parades, parade routes and times, and history of Mardi Gras, each parade, etc. It makes for interesting reading and is a good way to plan which parades you want to see. If you're a member of AAA, go to the nearest office and get a free map of New Orleans, or just buy one somewhere. It's a must to understand how the Quarter is set up, where the suburbs are for the outlying parades, and gives a good bird's eye view of why N.O. is called the Crescent City.

8) There is barter for beads in the Quarter.  No doubt you've heard of this practice, but let's review it nonetheless. The people on the parade floats throw "throws" to the crowds consisting of beads, cups, coins, and all sorts of little toys. These beads (not the other stuff) are prized in the streets of the Quarter. (Beads, by the way, can also be purchased at area stores, but the practice is not highly regarded compared to actually catching them from floats. When you see a group of fat men with several strands of the exact same huge fat beads around their necks, you can be sure they bought them somewhere.)  Everybody wants the prettiest, longest, biggest, and most unique beads they can get and will barter, trade, or do other things to get them. What beads are of most "value" differs from person to person depending on personal factors. Generally the thick white pearls are a prime item, but more unique beads are good too like wooden ones or ones with multiple colors and shapes or faces. Men seem more often to be the ones giving the beads to the women rather than vice versa. If you’re a guy, be careful about doing anything in front of the police. The police will enforce indecent exposure laws if they catch men so doing. (Seriously.) They don’t enforce it with women. Women would be smart to catch beads from atop balconies (more so nowadays than a few years ago) and have people throw beads up from the street. Over the past few years the street has become more and more "rambunctious" - especially later at night. One is relatively safe on a balcony from the swarms of hands. If one does get beads in the street, she should be sure to have friends around to help fend people off if necessary, or get on a guy's shoulders to do it (thus lifting oneself out of the crowd). All of this will be evident after your first day there.

9) And finally, to share common experiences with anyone else who has ever been, be sure to touch the Mississippi River, have a beignet and coffee or cocoa at Cafe Dumonde, eat a Lucky Dog, stand on a balcony looking down on Bourbon St. (Cat's Meow bar is best for this), get your picture with a cop, enjoy a bit of romance, and get your picture with the cheese guy on Fat Tuesday. I’ll see you down there.