North America

Mardi Gras 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, the final day of a Carnival season that begins on January 6. The biggest parades roll in the last two weeks, building to Fat Tuesday. This guide lays out the Mardi Gras 2026 calendar: when the major New Orleans parades start, the […]

Throwing and catching beads is one of Mardi Gras’ best-known traditions, but there is real history and etiquette behind the colourful throws. This guide explains why beads are thrown at Mardi Gras, the meaning of the Carnival colours, the history of the throws, and the etiquette every parade-goer should know. […]

Dressing up is part of the fun of Mardi Gras, whether you go all out in a costume or simply wear the purple, green, and gold of Carnival. This guide covers what to wear to Mardi Gras 2026: costume ideas, the meaning of the colours, and practical tips on comfort, […]

Food is central to Mardi Gras, from the king cake hiding its tiny baby to New Orleans staples like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. This guide rounds up 20 traditional Mardi Gras foods to try, the dishes and sweets that define Carnival season in New Orleans and beyond, with notes on […]

No Mardi Gras is complete without king cake, the ring-shaped, cinnamon-filled pastry decorated in purple, green, and gold and hiding a tiny baby inside. This guide shares an authentic king cake recipe for your Mardi Gras celebration, with step-by-step instructions, the traditional colours, and the story behind the hidden baby. […]

The colours of Mardi Gras, purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power, are the heart of any Carnival decoration. This guide shares DIY Mardi Gras decoration ideas in purple, green, and gold for 2026, from masks and wreaths to table settings and banners you can make at […]

You do not have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. With the right colours, food, and music, you can bring Carnival into your own home. This guide offers creative Mardi Gras party ideas, from purple, green, and gold decor and king cake to playlists, games, and costumes […]

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Fat Tuesday falls on February 17, 2026—and it lands on Presidents’ Day Weekend. That means extra time to celebrate. But here’s the catch: the best hotels near Mardi Gras parade routes book up fast. Very fast. If you want to wake up, grab your coffee, […]

Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is the climax of the Carnival season, known worldwide for the parades, music, and street celebrations of New Orleans. Mardi Gras 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, with the Carnival season running from Twelfth Night on January 6. This guide covers everything you need […]