Mardi Gras is an annual celebration that is held the day before Lent. The official Mardi Gras date is the day before Lent; just as the Lent date changes yearly, so does the Mardi Gras event date change yearly. The Mardi Gras date 2012 is February 21. While one could arrive on February 21 itself, it is advisable to arrive in New Orleans at least a few days beforehand. In fact, Mardi Gras celebrations start well before the official Mardi Gras date. The first two parades are held on February 4 and are scheduled to go through the city’s well known French Quarter. The first Mardi Gras parade to be scheduled is the Krewe du Vieux, which starts at 6:30 in the evening. Following this parade is the Krewe Delusion parade. There are over three dozen other parades that take place before official Mardi Gras date; however, those who cannot make it into town before February 21st can still enjoy the nine parades that are due to take place on this day. These parades start at 8:00 am and continue throughout the morning.
What Can One Expect at Mardi Gras 2012?
Each year, Mardi Gras gets better and better. This unique holiday offers many attractions and events that one can partake in. Getting dressed up also adds to the fun, although it is not obligatory. Mardi Gras balls are well known events that many enjoy participating in, although it can be difficult to get an invitation for an upscale ball. The ball invitations are keepsakes that one will want to hang onto. While they are no longer printed in France as they once were, they are still beautiful, colorful works of art that many people treasure.
Several Louisiana museums host carnivals and special exhibitions. A few good places to visit during Mardi Gras are the Louisiana State Museum, Rivertown’s Mardi Gras Museum and the Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum. Each of these places are steeped in history and have over a century’s worth of attractions on display. These museums display ornate costumes, interesting memorabilia and treasures from Mardi Gras celebrations of years gone by. One can either visit these museums on his or her own or book a tour package.
Is There Any Truth to the Numerous Mardi Gras Rumors and Myths Floating Around?
Most people who visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras enjoy their time greatly. Mardi Gras is a time to kick back, have fun and enjoy making new friends in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. However, New Orleans is not perfect; there is an unsavory section of the city that one will probably want to stay away from. Rumors of women baring their breasts in order to get parade beads are simply that – rumors. Wild things do happen but these things are not the norm, especially if one sticks to safe, clean, upscale parts of town. Generally speaking, Mardi Gras is a time when children and adults of all ages can enjoy themselves.
Those who are interested in more Mardi Gras 2012 date information, Mardi Gras 2012 parade schedules and the like should have a look at the rest of the information on this site. This information includes not only the Mardi Gras 2012 date but also other tips and advice that one will not want to miss out on. Planning ahead is the key to having a fun and enjoyable Mardi Gras 2012.