Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans | National Geographic

There's more to Mardi Gras in New Orleans than just one day or just one parade. Visit behind the scenes as preparations begin days, weeks and even months in advance of the big celebrations.

About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.

Get More National Geographic:

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans | National Geographic

National Geographic

[valmarsiglia]

No, the baby doesn't mean you buy next *year's* king cake! You buy the next king cake, which could be the next day or whenever the next get-together is. You don't just eat one king cake during Carnival season. You never eat just one anything in New Orleans!

[beethree]

New Orleans just different from the whole world

[poppyyukia]

Happiness is not a waste of resources. I would love to go and see this tradition in real life.

[Haloitzchris]

That is the cleanest trumpet I've ever seen even on video sheeeesh

[BrazenBrits]

We went for Mardi Gras this year ! It was insane but glad we did it!

[Largepro]

Im from LA and shout out to New Orleans i respect the culture .

[TheWzeOwl]

Legend of the Black and Gold Coconut got mine form the Witch Doctor himself in 1977 on Bourbon Street itself. ❤❤

[cswrawr]

More than $3000.... And she's using hot glue.

[kaylabahri]

Why doesn't National Geographic do a new Documentary on Traveling to New Orleans instead of 5 minutes.

[inlovewithakillerjeffery]

I would love to get on the those giant Mardi gras parade floats

[jackthefrog]

Looks like the carnaval from Pernambuco Brazil, and Cajun music really sounds like pernambucan music

[maserati]

The point of Mardi Gras is to enjoy the foods and frivolity before lent begins. It came from the Catholic populations. CARNEvale is Roman for to do without meat consumption.

[WaloWaloson]

Living in New Orleans, Parades get old after a while. But shoutout to NOLA for the King Cakes. Proud be a Orleans Native

[JohnHowell-xguk]

Great video! The Pete Fountain shot at 5:07 was especially welcome.

[BlueLou]

Ahah a very special side of New Orleans' Mardi Gras! You'd better take a look at HBO' Treme. Much mo' fonky, more real and versatile, yes indeeeed....

[derekhaywood]

Our city different we party we party we party NOLA is a different breed

[jellybeanthelizard]

What we do is make a NEW New Years resolution at lent and then eat pancakes till we are dead and give up the resolutions in a week start up again and fail and don’t go back simple enough

[haydenc]

Don't stay for one day?well in 3 months I'm moving there cause of my fathers work, does that count LOL I can't wait for Mardi Gras next year!

[aurorablanket]

At Mexico we have our own version of king cake, the rosca de reyes.

[mohitbachani]

I'm here because of James Patterson's book 'The chef'.