My Favorite Mardi Gras Throws

A recent admirer of The Mardi Gras Girl Blog asked me "Sondra, what are your favorite throws?

For you that are newbies (and that's OK, there's A LOT going on with Mardi Gras) throws are all the cool free stuff that the krewes on in the parades throw out to the adoring crowds.

Had to think on that question for a minute, but believe that beads are my ongoing favorite. But there's other stuff too that's fun like doubloons (customized coins), cups and more. 

While watching the live stream this year saw some reporters announce the Krewe of Zulu in addition to their signature coconuts and other usual throws were also giving out Michael Kors purses and wallets!

So you gotta go to Mardi Gras folks! You never know what's going to happen!

Beads, though, think I'll always love them. Easy to catch and enjoy wearing strands of them during the Carnival Season. Feel free to comment here and share your favorite Mardi Gras throws.

Photo credit: samslens / Pixabay

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2026 Folks!

Hey Folks! Happy Mardi Gras 2026! This is the last day of the Carnival Season, so enjoy it while you can!

A big part of the parades are the amazing floats which change in theme each year. The krewes put a ton of work into these all year and its fun to see the different themes. Some may be political, satirical, current events and of course just fun!

Here's a live stream of the parades of 2026: https://www.wdsu.com/article/new-orleans-mardi-gras-parades-live-stream-2026/70383226

Here is information on the amazing Mardi Gras parade floats: https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/mardi-gras-floats

Enjoy! Feel free to leave comments!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

Mardi Gras Parade Schedule For 2026

If you haven't gotten around to making it to New Orleans yet, go soon! There are still lots of parades to check out including the ones that are going to be on Mardi Gras Day, February 17. 

But keep in mind the LAST day for all the festivities is also the Big Day! While you want to be there on Mardi Gras Day the Carnival Season actually begins in January. Keep that in mind for next year. 

Here's the link to the Mardi Gras Parade Schedule for 2026 so you can still make plans and won't miss out: https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/

Have fun!

Photo Credit: beebutter / Pixabay

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

Mardi Gras Day Also Known As Fat Tuesday

A little known or maybe not so little known fact is that Mardi Gras Day is French for Fat Tuesday. Mardi means Tuesday and Gras translates to Fat.

This is the last day where people indulge in food, drink and other vices before the Lenten season which begins the next day with Ash Wednesday. 

That's why I let folks who follow the Mardi Gras Girl Blog to get to New Orleans at least a week before the Big Day so they don't miss out on all the fun!

Photo credit: Ford Brackin / Pixabay

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

Mardi Gras Day 2026 Falls On February 17

Well Folks it's almost that time again! Mardi Gras Day or Fat Tuesday, as its also called will be on February 17, 2026 this year.

Remember this is the LAST DAY of the Carnival Celebration so get to New Orleans at least a few days before. The next day is Ash Wednesday and start of Lent. So if you wait until then, NO more parties and parades for you until next year! LOL!



Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com