New Orleans’ Notorious Mardi Gras

The Christmas season is quickly coming to a close, and whether you’re excited to get back to some semblance of normalcy or sad that the cheery holiday is over, it’s nice to know you have something to look forward to. No, I’m not talking about New Year’s Eve. For the city of New Orleans, this holiday is even bigger than New Year’s. It’s a little occasion known as Mardi Gras.

While Mardi Gras is tied into the Catholic season of Lent, you don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy this momentous celebration. Mardi Gras is a festival that takes place for 42 days beginning with the Feast of the Epiphany and ending with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The true Mardi Gras is celebrated on Fat Tuesday, which is always the Tuesday 46 days before Easter.

For the 2010 festivities, the celebration will begin on January 6 and end with a New Orleans-style affair on February 16. These 42 days will be filled with parties, parades, dances, and balls. The festivities are presided over by Rex, an honor that falls to a new person every year, and certain decisions by past Rexes have lasted through the decades. For example, the official Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) were chosen by the Rex of the 1872 festival.

If you’re planning to be in the area, there are several places that will keep you close to all of the festivities. For a budget friendly hotel, you should consider the Best Western French Quarter. This hotel is located only three blocks from Bourbon Street, so you won’t miss a thing! If you’re seeking a few more amenities, you should consider the 3-Star Holiday Inn French Quarter. This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the French Quarter, keeping you only a few steps from the center of the celebration.

If a luxury trip to the Big Easy is how you want to celebrate Mardi Gras, there are two stand-out choices for your hotel. Both 4-Star hotels have everything you might need, and a few things you’ll definitely want. The Renaissance Arts Hotel is only a few blocks from the Riverwalk and less than one mile from French Quarter. This incredible location will keep you in the heart of the festival and still provide for a little peace and quiet when you need it. Another option is the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel nestled on the corner where Bourbon Street meets Canal Street. If you’re looking for a hotel that lets you walk out the front door and right into the festivities, this is the one.

Whether you’re headed down to New Orleans for the fabulous parades and parties, the famous Mardi Gras beads, or the scrumptious traditional king cake, New Orleans is waiting with open arms.

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