This year, Mardi Gras falls on February 13, 2024—but you can catch parades, festivals, and celebrations starting weeks before the big day and, in some locations, the party even keeps going through the spring.
Parade down coastal Mississippi
Mardi Gras parade in Coastal Mississippi – courtesy of Play Coastal Missisippi
Coastal Mississippi kicks off the 2024 Mardi Gras season with a stellar lineup of parades, balls, and specialty events beginning in January and ending on ‘Fat Tuesday’ February 13. Much loved Mardi Gras traditions, including colorful parades featuring costumed revelers, colorful beads, king cakes, and the vibrant rhythms of Zydeco music filling the air welcome Mardi Gras aficionados and new enthusiasts to enjoy unforgettable experiences and manageable gatherings in a family friendly atmosphere.
Known for its picturesque beaches, coastal charm, and lively atmosphere, the 62-mile coastline of Coastal Mississippi will host dozens of events across the tri-county region, including its oldest parade, the Gulf Coast Carnival Association’s Annual Mardi Gras Parade on Fat Tuesday, as well as the Children’s Walking Parade, and the unique Jeep-a-Gras featuring hundreds of Jeeps parading down the coast. Travelers can celebrate from sun-up to sundown with family-friendly experiences, coronation balls, several spectacular parades, festive waterfront celebrations, live music, and, of course, world-renowned Gulf-to-table Coastal Mississippi cuisine. Find a full list of 2024 Carnival events here.
“Visitors to Coastal Mississippi can expect a rich tapestry of cultural experiences throughout our destination during the 2024 Mardi Gras celebration,” said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism. “With so many unique events spread across our 62-miles of shoreline, we hope all who come to celebrate this season of merriment with us will appreciate the vibrant energy and atmosphere of unity and celebration that only Coastal Mississippi can create.”
Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras brings together locals and visitors annually for a fun and festive season of rich cultural heritage mixed with local characters and, of course, southern charm. Set against a backdrop of stunning beachfront sunsets, mild winter days, and coastal beauty, travelers are sure to find unique and unforgettable experiences for revelers of all ages. To start planning your 2024 Mardi Gras Vacation, visit CoastalMississippi.com.
Party at the theme parks in Orlando, Florida
Celebrate at the International Flavors of Carnaval – courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll) from February 3rd through April 7th during Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. This year’s festivities present a vibrant Mardi Gras party like no other, featuring an expansive menu of sweet, savory, and spicy dishes inspired by New Orleans favorites and iconic Carnaval flavors from around the globe, a dazzling Mardi Gras parade featuring all-new, incredibly detailed floats inspired by elements, and – on select nights – live concerts by top names in music like DJ Khaled, Ava Max, Luis Fonsi and more. And guests can enjoy all of the fun as part of regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Watch a spectacular Mardi Gras concert lineup – This year’s spectacular concert series will feature ten live performances by some of the most popular names across all genres of music – including GRAMMY-winning artist DJ Khaled, the artist behind the mega-hit, “Sweet but Psycho” – Ava Max, and five-time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Luis Fonsi. Performances will take place on select nights following the Mardi Gras parade at the Music Plaza stage, located in front of the thrilling Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. Catch the New Elements Parade Theme – This year’s Mardi Gras parade theme will bring the elements to life in six new, beautifully designed parade floats inspired by Earth, wind, fire, water, the sun and the moon. The new collection of element floats will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats to create this year’s parade – complete with high-energy music, dozens of performers donning elaborate costumes and tons of beads.Taste the International Flavors of Carnaval – Mardi Gras guests can savor the mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Spain to China and beyond with an expansive menu featuring more than 60 tasting-sized items. While venturing throughout the parkwide celebration, guests will find kiosks featuring delicious culinary delicacies inspired by various locations from around the globe – including the classic Fried Green Tomato Po’boy and fan-favorite fluffy Beignets from New Orleans, Chicken Schnitzel from Germany, Chilaquiles Verdes from Mexico and so much more. The best way to experience the flavors of Mardi Gras is with the specialty Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, which allows guests to taste and save more by paying $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120. The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card will be available for purchase at Mardi Gras food and beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida.
The best way to experience Universal Mardi Gras is with a stay at one of Universal’s eight incredible hotels, where guests can enjoy exclusive benefits including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks. Universal Orlando hotels will offer exclusive Mardi Gras food and beverages this season, such as theCrawfish and Andouille Sausage Egg Roll at Islands Dining Room in Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Mardi Gras Empanadas at Amatista Cookhouse in Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Jambalaya at Beach Break Cafe in Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites and more.
Access to Universal Mardi Gras is included with regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida. Guests can now take advantage of these incredible offers to experience Mardi Gras and all that Universal Orlando’s theme parks have to offer:
Florida and Georgia residents get two days free with the purchase of a 2-Park, 1-Day ticket – allowing them three days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure (click here to learn more).
U.S., Canada and Latin America residents can enjoy two free days of admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure with the purchase of a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket – giving them four days of theme park thrills (click here to learn more).
Become a Universal Orlando Passholder and get three months free on any 2-Park or 3-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass. Universal Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive exclusive event perks, including a complimentary Mardi Gras-themed magnet, access to a special viewing area to enjoy the Mardi Gras parade, food and beverage discounts up to 15% off, special merchandise and more. Click here to learn more.
Plus, Universal Orlando Passholders and Florida residents can save 40% on rooms at all Universal Orlando hotels during select dates this Mardi Gras season. For more information about Universal Mardi Gras and additional offerings, like the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
Head to the beach in Pensacola, Florida
The iconic Mardi Gras celebrations will return to Pensacola with some of the destination’s largest vibrantly decorated floats and family-friendly festivals, featuring live music, food, drinks, and free public access. As a city with deep Creole and French roots, it’s no wonder Pensacola was the stomping grounds for one of the first Mardi Gras celebrations in the U.S.
Visitors can enjoy special events such as the Mardi Gras Mambo featuring Flo Rida on January 26, 2024, the Pensacola Pawdi Gras on January 28, 2024, the Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade on February 9, 2024, the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 10, 2024, and the Krewe of Wrecks Beach Parade on February 11, 2024.
Celebrate big in New Orleans, Louisiana
Carnaval parade in New Orleans by Library of Congress – Unsplash
Of course, there’s nothing like a classic: New Orleans is the quintessential destination for Mardi Gras. If you haven’t yet booked a trip, take some sage advice from mardigrasneworleans.com: “Okay, so it’s January, and you decide you want to visit New Orleans on Fat Tuesday. Should you even try? Yes! It is worth it, but just be prepared to spend a lot of time on the phone. Keep calling. Hotels have cancellations, and there are waiting lists. If you are persistent, you just may find a place somewhere.”
If you’re willing to make the effort, visitors may still be about to book Mardi Gras packages and find hotel vacancies at BestNewOrleansHotels.com. Additionally, if you have some flexibility on travel dates, its important to know that the festivals begin well before Fat Tuesday—this is often when hotels will have the most availability, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun (plus, you’ll beat the crowds!). Be sure to book dining out, too; reservations fill up fast along parade routes.
For a full list of parades and schedules, visit mardigrasneworleans.com..
This article was originally published by Budgettravel.com. Read the original article here.