ABOUT
About Mardi Gras Unmasked
Mardi Gras Unmasked's mission is to showcase the true spirit of Mardi Gras as expressed through a remarkable spectrum of homegrown customs and traditions. We strive to stimulate and deepen the public's appreciation of New Orleans Mardi Gras as a multifaceted cultural attraction, in an online environment that not only is fun, engaging and free of commercial clutter, but also compatible with tablet computers and mobile devices.
Brotha'. Can't kill a Man with a SOUL.
CALENDAR

Mardi Gras Calendar
A day-by-day compendium of Mardi Gras-related events and activities accessible to the public: processions, artistic pursuits, revels and rituals that, collectively, comprise one of the most extraordinary extravaganzas on the planet. Submit your own listing, sort events by genre and conveniently share listings via Twitter, social networking sites or email.

May 2012 View all »

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CARNIVAL 101
Carnival 101
Comprising a range of art forms and a dizzying amalgamation of happenings and habits, Carnival has a storied history and its own peculiar lexicon. Bone up on trappings, traditions and symbols — and find out why this season of merriment and make-believe best exemplifies the cultural richness of New Orleans. Plus: An all-new Trivia Challenge!
COLORFUL CHARACTERS
Colorful Characters
Rex and his queen may officially reign over festivities, but Carnivaldom is full of skilled artisans, larger-than-life personalities and visionaries who enrich the panorama of the festivities.
- Meet our Colorful Characters
EYE CANDY
Eye Candy
Experience the delirious, eye-popping kaleidoscope that is Mardi Gras — a visually intoxicating celebration and the official art form of New Orleans. Images and videos capturing everything from the magnificence of Mardi Gras Indian regalia and the boisterous revelry of offbeat marching groups to the feeding frenzy for throws and the glitz and visual puns of parade floats.
- Mardi Gras Image Galleries
- Mardi Gras Videos
LOCAL COLOR AND CUSTOMS
Local Color and Customs
Everybody knows that Mardi Gras is a time to frolic and have fun, to "throw down," as they say in the Crescent City. But beyond the superficial stereotypes, the celebration represents an authentic and compelling expression of indigenous folkways.
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MUSIC
Mardi Gras Music
Carnival has played a pivotal role in nurturing what is now widely recognized as New Orleans' unique gift to the world and its most valuable cultural resource: music. Mardi Gras Music Radio is a shout-out to this incredibly rich tradition. Tune in via your desktop, tablet or mobile device!
- New Orleans Mardi Gras Music
- Mardi Gras Music Radio
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PARADES
Mardi Gras Parades
The real Mardi Gras is about creative costuming and krewes staging processions that are a feast for the senses — with floats that bemuse and entertain; rollicking bands full of joyful noise; inspired dance troupes and showers of baubles that stoke an exhilarating feeding frenzy. Can't you almost feel the boom of dat big bass drum?
TIPS & TRICKS
Mardi Gras Tips & Tricks
Seasoned advice on parade etiquette, reaping throw booty, balcony and grandstand access, how to catch a ride in a parade and much more, including answers to the most-asked Mardi Gras questions of all time — where to find a place to pee.