Mardi Gras has been celebrated in New Orleans since the explorer Iberville first set foot here on Mardi Gras Day 1699. In French colonial days, wealthy members of Creole society threw lavish Mardi Gras balls from Twelfth Night (Jan. 6) to Fat Tuesday Eve.

In 1857, the first parade rolled through the city streets, courtesy of the Mistick Krewe of Comus. And in 1872, Rex, the king of Mardi Gras made his debut. Today, hundreds of people gather to New Orleans and celibrate in the streets and party at a ton of parades.

There’s so much to see and do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The parades are just half of the fun, there's great restaurants, picturesque photo opportunities and lots of live vibrant music! There's no way to include all of the must see and do things in just one article, but here are some highlights that are strongly recomend checking out while you're in town!.

Mardi Gras has an official greeting,You will hear Laissez les bon temps rouler (pronounced lay-say le bon tom roo-lay) over and over again at any Mardi Gras celebrations. It means “let the good times roll” in Cajun French, which many party goers can get behind. .