Top Reasons To Add Mardi Gras To Your Bucket List

New Orlean’s very own Mardi Gras has been an annual event in the USA which has captured the hearts of millions. Party enthusiasts and regular Joe's alike flock to this famed phenomena for its culture, experience and of course, the beads. The festival spans weeks and includes parades, balls, and events that are unlike any other. Regardless of any rationale, one may have to journey all the way to Louisiana, here is a list of ten convincing reasons why adding this notch to your bucket list is an absolute must.

Warm Weather

The first thing that drives northern travelers to Mardi Gras is the warm weather. Mardi Gras typically occurs over the period of a few weeks ranging from January, February, and March and is the perfect time of year for snowbirds to travel south. Average temperatures range from 64° to 76° and present an opportunity to escape the snow and ice, even if it is only for a few days. Replace shoveling the driveway and frozen toes with vibrant streets and sunshine this upcoming winter.

Twelfth Night Party

For Shakespeare fans heading south this winter, Mardi Gras celebrations will be opening with Chris Owens’ rendition of the classic tale, Twelfth Night. The opening shows are often affordable and can be found for prices as low as thirty dollars. With well-known acting quality, the show will take place at the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture and will present an unveiling of specialty costumes that are sure to impress. Travelers aiming to attend the beginning of the Mardi Gras events will love this Shakespeare adaptation and others which take place frequently until Fat Tuesday. "If music be the food of love, play on." - William Shakespeare

Family Gras

Family Gras is another big reason to make the journey to New Orleans. This celebration takes place starting on February 2nd, 2018 and continues well into the next night. Family Gras typically provides an experience that is fitting for the whole family. Parades and shows are on display for explorers to indulge in and enjoy with children of all ages, but families are cautioned to skip the French Quarter for the sanctity of a wholesome family experience that avoids possible bawdy sights and behavior.

Throws and Beads

Alright, it would not be Mardi Gras if there was not a bunch of throws and beads being tossed off floats and traded between old and new friends. The beads of Mardi Gras are an iconic part of the festival that is also, quite possibly, the most enjoyable tradition that comes with the festivities. The tradition of throwing trinkets began in the early 1870’s, but it wasn't until 1884 that the items transitioned to medallions and cups. Travelers will be sure to head home with a neckline covered with beads, and a few new cups to add to their dinnerware collection. How tourists get these beads, however, is up to each visitors discretion.

Formal Balls

Parades are not the only significant events that take place at Mardi Gras for the populations to indulge in; there is also a selection of royal-themed balls and galas to attend. Unfortunately, some of the more exclusive and mature balls are based on an invitation-only structure, but fear not, there are plenty left for tourists to join! Super Krewe Balls are held with the intention of welcoming New Orleans visitors and have been hosting travelers with elegant nights since 1949. The Super Krewe events - Bacchus, Orpheus, and Endymion - present a chance to wear your best suit or dress and partake in the merriment that is Mardi Gras.

Costumes

Costumes are the one aspect of Mardi Gras that has everyone, no matter age or gender, looking comical (in the right ways). Tourists and locals flock together to fill the streets of New Orleans wearing anything and everything imaginable. From pink hair to feather outfits and full out body paint, there are no limits to the excitement and creativity that comes with outfit freedom. It is one of the only times that an individual may receive strange looks for wearing regular clothing on the walkway. Letting loose with a unique and colorful outfit is merely another reason that Mardi Gras should be added to every wanderer’s hit list.

Shopping

Of course, no trip is complete without going on a shopping excursion to pick up some new items for a return home. Keeping that in mind, there are a wide array of options to entice tourists looking to grab a new outfit, some fine food and drink, or even a couple collectible items for friends and family back home. Favorite items for those looking to shop in New Orleans include New Orleans Famous Praline Company a delicious specialty in the Mardi Gras streets. Another hotspot store for festival goers are the mask stores, with the creative and classic designs of Mardi Gras masks. These items are great for adding a unique accessory to your outfit for the balls and parades.

Colors

Colors play a big role in the costumes and sets of Mardi Gras events, but there is a deeper and more robust history and tradition rooted in the festival than many realize. The main colors that are emphasized in the culture of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Each color symbolizes a different value and are generally accepted as follows; purple represents justice, green represents faith and gold represents power, all traced back in history to early Mardi Gras festivities in 1872. Those looking to show off their best purple, green or gold outfits are in luck at this timeless festival.

Valentines Day

Not everyone has found that special someone yet in their lives, and for those who are still looking, what better place to meet strangers than at the various Mardi Gras events? With the big 2018 Mardi Gras date landing on February 13th, the events will provide an ideal opportunity to find that special someone in time to celebrate Valentine's day. That being said, if you already have a partner, take advantage of the festivities in a way that will make up a February 14th celebration to remember for years to come. Regardless, with the jubilation and inclusive vibes, attendees are certain to feel the love in the air.

King Cakes

Cakes are another popular item for tourists that wish to try traditional foods for the festivities. These cakes are specially made from scratch at the local stores and are treasured by locals and travelers from far. Although there are a variety of King Cake makers, there are annual competitions held at the festivities to root out the crowd favorites and crown them with awards and praise. The people’s choice award winner for 2017 was New Orleans Cannata’s King Cake and for a good reason. The cakery has sixty special options for flavors and is baking at all hours of the day to satisfy customers, making this specialty treat a highlight reason for traveling to the Mardi Gras festival.