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. 
1:30 p.m.
Arnaud’s Restaurant (813 Bienville St.). Sharing in the joy of pursuing pleasures that lift one’s spirits and flaunting festive finery are fundamental to the Divine Protectors of Endangered Pleasures, a k a the Divas. Membership in this flamboyant sisterhood is predicated upon crafting an elaborately adorned bustier. After holding forth from their balcony perch at Arnaud’s, the Divas — accompanied by their royal consorts, the Elvi, and the Riverside Ramblers jazz band — will hit Bourbon St. and promenade to Pat O’Brien’s, then return to Arnaud’s via Royal St. for more balcony revelry. Flaunting their festively beaded finery, which can also include shoes, boots and headwear, they’re sure to cut a wide swath. Those who show proper adoration may be fortunate enough to receive a specially designed, collectible bustier bead throw.
