A Seniors’ Guide to Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans
“My grandma and your grandma were sittin’ by the fire”… If you can finish the lyrics, chances are you’d rather be sitting Sidewalk Side than by the fire. That’s right, we are talking about going down to the Mardi Gras. Nationally known as one of the most exciting celebrations, Mardi Gras season creates an atmosphere throughout New Orleans like no other. The city comes alive with parades, music, revelry, and bead-draped trees. While there are many aspects of Mardi Gras that are associated with youthful debauchery, the opportunities for seniors to be a part of the festivities are plentiful. The key to enjoying Fat Tuesday to the fullest is comfort, safety, and planning. So, whether you’re a lifelong local or a tourist testing out the waters, here are some tips to make the most of your Mardi Gras.
Attend Senior-Friendly Parades
It is true that not all parades are created equal! Some are rowdy, crowded, and chaotic while others have a more relaxed, family-friendly feel, making them a perfect choice for seniors. A lot of this can is also determined by the time of the day, the day of the week, and the location you choose to stand. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds of partygoers, stay away from the French Quarter and Canal Street. The crowds will be heavier in these areas. Additionally, daytime and weekday parades tend to be a bit calmer than evening and weekend parades. Lastly, the parades in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras are usually less crowded, as it’s mostly locals who attend; the out of town guests generally come in for Mardi Gras weekend and stay through Fat Tuesday. Consider attending:
Thoth Sunday:
Takes place the Sunday before Mardi Gras in Uptown New Orleans. It holds a unique route that passes by institutions that care for people with disabilities and illnesses, deeming it the “krewe of the shut-ins.” It’s intentionally designed to pass the same institutions as when it was founded back in 1947.
Krewe of Iris and Tucks:
This is a great daytime parade on the Saturday of Mardi Gras weekend, also located Uptown. The Krewe of Iris throws hand decorated sunglasses as their signature throw. With unique throws, satirical floats, and a giant King’s Throne (toilet), the Krewe of Tucks has an “Animal House” reputation that they proudly uphold year after year.
More suburban areas, like Metairie and the Northshore, host parades as well. These generally offer a more family friendly environment with smaller crowds.
Krewe of Eve:
Founded in 1986, this all-female organization parades through Mandeville and continues to grow in size and popularity year after year. They offer beautiful floats and energetic marching bands, as well as a signature throw: hand glittered apples.
Secure a Comfortable Viewing Area
In your younger years, “just winging it” or getting up with the roosters to rope off your parade area may have been feasible. Now that you’re older and wiser, you likely realize that you’d prefer a different approach. Having a comfortable and easily accessible viewing area is key to an enjoyable Mardi Gras experience. With these tips, you can ensure a spot fit for a queen, or king:
- Grandstand Seating: Many hotels and companies throughout the city set up grandstand seating. This provides an opportunity to attend the parades with an elevated view, bathroom access, and optional seating.
- Balcony Access: Hotels and restaurants throughout the city sell tickets to access their balconies. Much like the grandstands, you will have a stellar view of the parades and a place to sit down and rest, as needed. As an added perk, you can grab a meal and a cocktail to perfect your parading experience.
- Private Residence: If you’re lucky enough to have friends or family along the route, then you may have the opportunity to parade like true royalty! This would be the ideal setting, complete with all the comforts of home. Bring along a pan of jambalaya or a king cake and “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”
Attend a Ball
If you’re feeling overly ambitious trying to attend a parade, but you still want to engage in the Mardi Gras festivities, then consider attending a ball instead. Your event ticket generally includes table seating, a meal, and drinks as a packaged deal. You’ll have the opportunity to dress like royalty, listen to Mardi Gras music, and partake in all of the merriment that this season has to offer.
Savor the Flavor
Maybe the thought of attending a Mardi Gras event has you thinking “I’m too old for this”. No worries. You can still get into the Mardi Gras spirit without ever stepping foot out of your house. Consider indulging in some traditional foods like king cake, red beans and rice, jambalaya, gumbo, beignets, or Popeye’s Fried Chicken. Wash it all down with a New Orleans Original Daiquiri and, just for the fun of it, holler “Throw Me Something Mister!” as you watch King Rex roll by on TV from the comfort of your own couch.