February 2025 Newsletter

Hello!

We’re at the start of the parade season here in New Orleans. The unexpected snow (!) has gone, and this weekend, the Krewe of Chewbacchus (a very fun, science fiction-themed parade) begins what is now a weekly schedule of parades. Mardi Gras day itself falls on Tuesday March 4th, but there are parties, parades and events aplenty before then. For a full schedule, along with parade routes, this list is a great resource: https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/

A legal and licensed bed and breakfast inn makes for an ideal base for Carnival season here in the city. They’re nicely located for walking to parades (some of them are even on actual parade routes), and our amazing hosts have all of that great insider knowledge – they can point you to all of the local parties and parades that visitors often miss!

Make us part of your Mardi Gras plans – you won’t be disappointed! Below are some of the highlights across the city for the next couple of months. Hope to see you in the Crescent City very soon! Happy Carnival!

The Bed and Breakfast Inns of New Orleans

www.bbnola.com

FEBRUARY

15th

Parade: Krewe du Vieux

Founded in 1987 and taking its name from the Vieux Carré (old square), the official name for the French Quarter, the Krewe du Vieux is one of the earliest parades of the New Orleans Carnival calendar. In the old tradition, it is noted for wild satirical and adult themes, as well as for showcasing some of the best brass and traditional jazz bands in New Orleans. The parade goes through the Marigny and French Quarter, ending at their official ball.

23rd

Parade: Krewe of Barkus

A beloved, dog-focused parade with our canine friends dressed up in costumes!

27th

Parade: Krewe of Muses

This club was founded in 2000 and is made up of women who conduct community outreach programs that involve school children and local artists in the design of Muses’ throws, costumes and floats.Try and get one of their coveted, famous decorated shoes!

28th

Parade: Krewe D’Etat

Founded in 1996 to help resurrect the traditional satirical style of Mardi Gras parades. In keeping with its name’s meaning, the “Dictator” reigns over the streets in place of a traditional monarch. Secrecy is of great importance to the krewe, and the identity of its ruler is never made public. D’Etat’s Latin motto translates, “Live to Ride, Ride to Live.”

MARCH

1st

Parade: Endymion

One of the biggest parades, passing through Mid City.

2nd

Parade: Bacchus

3rd

Parade: Orpheus

4th

Mardi Gras Day! Including the Krewe of Zulu and Krewe of Rex parades.

15th

Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade

St. Patrick’s Day is a major celebration in New Orleans, blending Irish traditions with the city’s signature flair for festivities. From the lively Irish Channel Parade to pub crawls, block parties, and even other Irish-inspired parades, the city comes alive with green-clad revelers.

26th

Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival

The annual Tennessee Williams Festival takes place each spring in New Orleans, and is named after the world-famous playwright who made New Orleans his home during one of the most creative periods in his life. Each year, the festival assembles top playwrights, authors, actors, and speakers for literary panels and to provide master classes with other published authors. There are theatrical performances of original works, readings, cocktail parties, culinary events, book signings, movie screenings, literary walking tours and more.

29th

Freret Street Festival

In recent years, Freret Street has become one of the most vibrant streets in the city, with tons of restaurants and businesses that have popped up on the strip. Now, with over 200 local vendors, live music stages, and food and drink options, the Freret Street Festival is one of the premier neighborhood festivals in the city, and it’s free!