Our Agents’ Favorite Mardi Gras Traditions

Many of us have our very own Mardi Gras traditions that we anticipate and savor every year. And while they may be on hold for 2021, we’re already looking forward to the return of those celebrations in 2022. Parties, costuming, coconuts, glitter, and a million other eccentricities are what make this city so special. Because everywhere else in the world, it’s just a Tuesday.

Elizabeth Charvet

“I usually host a huge party Mardi Gras morning – a million king cakes, mimosas, and breakfast casseroles. Plus glitter, eyelash adhesive, the glue gun hot and ready for last minute touch-ups, and the last clean bathroom you’ll see for the day, before we all roll with St Ann.”

Joe Robert

“I go to the Quintron show every Lundi Gras at One Eyed Jack’s, get a couple of winks, and then bike to the ferry for the most amazing ferry ride you’ll ever take on Mardi Gras day. I line up for Zulu outside of Barrel Proof and end the day at R Bar. Last year, we took a walk along the river and caught the last ferry of the evening back to Algiers Point. Truly the most magical day!”

Brett Blanchard

“I start making costumes every year right after New Year’s, and weeks later, I look like this:

Or this.”

Darrin McWilliams

“One of my rituals is to go out and support my krewe’s Lundi Gras festival on the Mississippi river. Then I go home to get my Zulu coconuts bagged and ready to give out on Mardi Gras morning. I have a few drinks while preparing my costume, and get up at 3am to head to the location where it all begins!”

Michelle LaBanca

“My friends and I have a Mardi Gras day walking group – Krewe of Ragnarok. We always start the day early – meeting up in the Bywater around 8am, eating breakfast, and then stopping at Bud Rips, Markey’s, and Mimi’s (RIP), crossing Frenchmen to the R Bar, then into the French Quarter. We always stop at Deurty Boys; our bestie Reverend Vargas gives a toast and blessing. We also take a spiritual moment at the river – usually sitting for an hour or so, thankful for such a beautiful time to be alive. We always end up at The Friendly bar, and by sundown, we all scramble home. No good can come of being out after sundown on Mardi Gras day! Time to wash off the glitter and eat pizza.”

Bonita Day

“I love to get dressed in costume on Mardi Gras day and ride up Jackson Ave. to where Rex and Zulu meet. Then I wind my way to the French Quarter to meet the St. Anne parade.”

Rayna Bishop

“I order Chinese food once a year – and it’s when we’re in an Uber on the way back Uptown from the French Quarter on Mardi Gras day. My friends will never let me forget the time I ordered over $80 worth of food for the three of us, but somehow only managed to get one egg roll. This will be the first year I won’t be giving up fried chicken and domestic light beer for Lent!

Suzy Lamore

“We’ve been bringing Mardi Gras and the spirit of New Orleans to the Colorado ski slopes for the past 10+ years!”