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.
Mardi Gras Calendar
Carnival 101
Colorful Characters
Eye Candy
Local Color and Customs
Mardi Gras Music
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? 
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. 
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
3 p.m.
A kick off for the Mardi Gras Mask Market. Parade starts in French Market’s Dutch Alley and ends up at the Farmers Market, where the New Wave will perform on the main stage until 4:30 p.m. Also from noon to 3 p.m. in Dutch Alley, you can get a free souvenir flip book featuring you and friends and family in a Mardi Gras scene! For the complete Mask Market entertainment schedule, click here.
