The Mardi Gras Survival Kit: Everything You Need To Have An Awesome Mardi Gras

Nothing holds a match to Carnival season. Between the extravagant parades, countless festivities, creative costumes, and lively spirit, it is the most fantastic time of the year! 

If you’re a seasoned Mardi Gras goer, then you know there is a list of essential items you must have at all times to maximize your experience. We’ve added these items to our Mardi Gras Survival Kit. Read about them below! 

#1: Hand Sanitizer or Sanitizing Wipes 

To keep your hands clean between catching beads and enjoying Popeyes, it’s best to come prepared with your own cleaning supplies. Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes are sure to come in handy during Mardi Gras.

#2. Kleenex or Baby Wipes

There’s only one place to use the restroom during Mardi Gras season, and that’s port-a-potties. These quick in-and-out restroom stops are rarely equipped with toilet paper or soap. Unless you want to wiggle dry, grab a small pack of Kleenex or Baby Wipes to bring with you.

#3. Water and Hydration Packs 

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! Water is a Mardi Gras MUST. It’s crucial to have water with you. There’s a lot of walking, dancing, and drinking, so make sure to stay hydrated.

Managing Broker Michelle LaBanca and Rêve Agent Kim Jones

#4. Cooler

If you’re bringing your own water (and other beverages), it’s wise to have a cooler with you. Just add ice packs, and you’re good to go. 

#5.  Advil, Pepto Tablets, and Other Helpful Meds

Mardi Gras is an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink, very loud kind of holiday, and sometimes your body begins to tap out. Having meds to cure a light headache or tummy ache is super important. 

#6. Bandaids

Majority of parading is walking around and standing up, save yourself from getting blisters, and grab a box of bandaids to take with you.

#7. Cell Phone Battery Pack

Bringing a portable cell phone charger with you is essential.

Rêve Partner Joey Walker, Rêve Agent Kelleye Rhein, Rêve Director of Finance and Operations Rebecca Martinez, and Rêve Partner Ryan Wentworth 

#8. GLITTER

Mardi Gras is nothing without glitter. The entire holiday is a glitter fest palooza. Grab some glitter (preferably purple, green, and yellow) for you and your crew so you can sparkle all day long!

#9. Mardi Gras Flair

One thing you’re sure to see everyone having during Carnival Season is Mardi Gras Flair. Whether you wear a traditional Mardi Gras polo from Perlis, a cute headband from Fleurty Girl, or other accessories, you need to have on something that screams it’s Mardi Gras Season!

#10. Neck Koozie

In order for you to catch Mardi Gras throws, your hands have to be free. A neck koozie keeps your drink close and allows you to catch all the beads you want.

#11. Fanny Pack

The last thing you want to lug around with you during Mardi Gras season is a large bag. A fanny pack gives you a hands-free option to keep all of your essential items close amid a busy crowd.

Rêve Partner Ryan Wentworth and Rêve Agent Kelleye Rhein

#12. Cash

Yes, cards are accepted everywhere, but during Mardi Gras, most vendors along the parade routes only accept cash. Make sure to have enough cash on you to buy yourself a meal and a drink.

#13.  A Portable Chair

Believe us when we say there is nowhere to sit during Mardi Gras but on the ground. Portable chairs are helpful to have in between parades or when you want to sit for a quick snack. If you want to play smarter like a Carnival Season Pro, bring a portable chair with you.

#14. Party Smart Pills and Pedialyte 

The unspoken rule for Mardi Gras may be “have fun now, worry about the other stuff later,” but we believe in the rule of “prepare now so that you won’t be caught off guard later.” Pick up a pack of Party Smart Pills and a bottle of Pedialyte, after a wild day of Mardi Gras fun, you’re going to need them to get you ready for the next parade day!

Have a fun and safe holiday everyone!