Things You Need to Know About Mardi Gras
As the weather warms and our waistlines begin to show the effects of weekly King Cake parties, it's no question that Fat Tuesday is fast approaching. This week I present the “Insider's Mardi Gras Checklist” a list that will help you better navigate your Carnival experience.
This list is only a handful of the precautions you should take when attending parades and common sense should always take precedence. Have fun and be safe!
Insider's Mardi Gras Checklist
Check the weather.
Louisiana weather is finicky. The need for rain boots, winter coats and flip-flops are all possibilities within the same week.
Minimize baggage.
With so much activity around you, you'll want to have two free hands.
Consider public transportation.
Parking near a parade route is a daunting task. Visit the Regional Transit Authority website for routes and schedules. You can thank me later!
Carry only small amounts of cash when possible.
You don't want to chance anyone seeing you shove a wad of money into your pocket.
Don't disrobe for trinkets.
Cost of a jumbo strand of beads: $3. Cost of your exposed self going viral on the Internet: Priceless!
Download the Experience Mardi Gras app to your smart phone.
It tracks the parade's location along the route. Available here.
Know the secret password“Throw me something, Mister!”
You can also learn more Mardi Gras vocabulary here.
Look for the Tulane Marching Band.
Their first parade is this weekend! You can find their full schedule in the Tulane Guide to Mardi Gras 2011.
Plan ahead.
Get your full 2011 parade schedule here.
Want to know more about what's happening on the inside? Ask the Insider and check back here every Monday to see if your question or comment appears in this weekly blog!
