Experience 2022 Mardi Gras, Return of the Big Greasy
Royal Sonesta New Orleans is considered by many to be the most desirable location to experience the fun and pageantry of Mardi Gras. To assure that your stay is enjoyable and comfortable during Mardi Gras weekend, we have outlined everything you will need to know for Carnival Season. In the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday revelers worldwide can celebrate Mardi Gras traditions safely by participating in virtual elements such as social media contests and live-streamed events.
Mardi Gras: Registered Hotel Guests & Visitor Passes
Registered Guests:
- Each day during the Mardi Gras weekend, Friday through Fat Tuesday, only registered guests with wristbands will be allowed to enter the hotel.
- For your safety, all guests will be checked for wristbands upon entry to the hotel. If you don't have a wristband and you are a registered guest, you will need to provide proper identification to verify entry.
- Wristbands will be given to you at the front desk upon check in and are required to be worn at all times.
Hotel Visitors:
- If you are expecting guests to the hotel, please make certain that they have the necessary wristbands for the day they plan to visit you at the hotel.
- All visitors will be asked to present the dated wristband at the hotel entrance to gain admittance.
- Limit is Two (2) per room. Wristbands may be obtained at the Front Desk.
A Festive & Safe Mardi Gras
During the exciting season in New Orleans, when the streets are filled with revelers celebrating Mardi Gras, please remember to be safe and exercise some precautions. To help ensure your stay will be fun and hassle free, the NEW ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT recommends the following tips:
- When you go out into a crowded area, it is always best to walk with a companion or group.
- Lock up valuables in the safe in your room or in the hotel vault located at the Front Desk.
- Avoid walking with hanging bags or purses with shoulder straps.
- Please do not throw any objects from the hotel balconies or windows.* City ordinances strictly prohibit this practice.*
- The NEW ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT strictly enforces city ordinances prohibiting glass or metal containers on the streets. Please ask your bartender for a “go cup” (paper or plastic cup) if you plan on walking the streets with a drink in hand.
- The legal drinking age is 21, and it is strictly enforced. Please have you ID or drivers license on you at all times.
- Most importantly, be prepared to have the time of your life in New Orleans!
Parking
Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 - Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021
Bourbon St., Decatur St. and Frenchmen St. will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles from 7 p.m. - 3 a.m. Restaurants and retail stores can remain open allowing residents and visitors access. Hotel staff will be available at the corner of Royal Street and Bienville Street prior to 7 p.m. to assist with entry to the Hotel. Please have your confirmation and identification available for registered guests. You will not be permitted into the French Quarter without these documents.
Due to limited parking options in the French Quarter, we strongly recommend that you leave your car in the garage for the duration of your stay. Because of the street closures around the hotel, it may not be possible to re-enter the garage if you remove your car.
For information on things to see and do in the French Quarter, visit our Hotel Concierge.
History
Mardi Gras “Fat Tuesday” can occur on any Tuesday from February 3 through March 9. The fluctuating date was established by the Catholic Church which designed the Gregorian calendar with moveable dates for Easter. Mardi Gras is always scheduled 46 days preceding Easter (the 40 days of Lent, plus 6 Sundays).
In 1872 Rex, the King of Carnival, selected the colors of Mardi Gras & the 1892 Rex Parade themed “Symbolism of Colors” made them official: PURPLE represents JUSTICE, GREEN stands for FAITH, GOLD signifies POWER.
Mardi Gras for the Next 5 Years:
- 2022 - March 1
- 2023 - February 21
- 2024 - February 13
- 2025 - March 4
- 2026 - February 17
Mardi Gras Lingo:
- CARNIVAL — loosely translated from Latin meaning “farewell to the flesh”; the season of merriment in New Orleans begins on January 6, the Twelfth Night (the feast of the Epiphany), and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday
- DOUBLOONS — aluminum coin-like objects bearing the krewe’s insignia on one side and the parade’s theme on the reverse.
- FLAMBEAU — (plural) Naptha-fueled torches, traditionally carried by white robed black men. In the past century, flambeau provided the only source of night time parade illumination.
- KING CAKE — an oval, sugared pastry that contains a plastic doll hidden inside. The person who finds the doll or “gets the baby” is crowned “king” and buys the next cake or throws the next party. The king cake season opens on King’s Day, January 6. More than 750,000 king cakes are consumed in the metro New Orleans area during Carnival season.
