No historical precedent exists to guide fans, visitors and residents for what is happening in New Orleans this week since the Saints won the Super Bowl. It’s not like this town needs an excuse to party anyway, but this level of intensity, energy and sheer jubilation deserves a nod. –roz edward
Where to Stay:
W New Orleans
Feb. 11
Parade: Knights of Babylon/Krewe of Muses
Sight: St. Charles Garden District — get acclimated it’s the most prominent parade route and in between parades, gawk at the majesty of the historic homes.
Eat: At Zea Rotisserie & Grill on St. Charles Avenue, one of the city’s most popular restaurants. Take the street car to Canal Street and the edge of insanity — the French Quarter
Party: Just walk down Bourbon Street but be sure to end up at Pat O’Briens to sample their world-famous signature drink — The Hurricane.
Feb. 12
Parade: DIVA, Knights of Hermes, Le Krewe d’Etat, Krewe of Morpheus
Eat: Cafe Du Monde for another Big Easy delicacy, beignets.
Sight: If New Orleans has a town center, it’s Jackson Square. The historic plaza is home to local street painters, musicians, street performers and shopping. It’s just a short but very scenic carriage ride to the French Quarter.
Eat: Court of Two Sisters
Party: Harrah’s Casino
Feb. 13
Parade: Krewe of Iris, Krewe of Tucks, Krewe of Endymion
Sight: The Riverwalk
Eat: Ralph and Kakoos
Party: French Quarter’s Preservation Hall
Feb. 14
Parade: Krewe of Okeanos, Krewe of Mid-City, Krewe of Thoth, Krewe of Bacchus
Sight: Saint Louis Cemetary Number One borders the French Quarter and is the oldest cemetary in the city.
Eat: Commander’s Palace
Party: French Quarter
Feb. 15
Parade: Krewe of Proteus, Krewe of Orpheus
Sight: Audubon Aquarium of the America’s — it’s stunning!
Eat: Brennan’s
Party: French Quarter
Feb. 16
Parade: The Granddaddy of all parades — the Zulu Parade on Fat Tuesday.
Followed by Krewe of Rex and the Krewe of Crescent City
Eat: Copeland’s (of the Popeye’s Chicken franchise).
New Orleans rapper Mystikal will headline a concert at the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts on Mardi Gras, Feb. 16.
Party: Guess
Don’t leave “Nawlins” without eating at least a slice of king cake and attending a crawfish boil. King cakes are a big part of the Mardi Gras tradition, which honors the three kings that were present at the birth of Christ. A small baby, symbolizing the baby Jesus, is baked into each cake. Remember Mardi Gras is the event that precedes Lent and 40 days of fasting.
Party’s over.
