Traditions
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans invites guests to join the city’s biggest celebration – Mardi Gras. As the newest luxury property and the only Five Diamond hotel in the state, Four Seasons New Orleans offers an urban oasis amidst the revelry and exclusive access to unlock Carnival like a local.
Celebrated with more than 75 parades, Carnival season officially begins on King’s Day, January 6, and lasts through Mardi Gras day, February 21 this year. Located only a few blocks from the parade route, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans offers a luxury retreat from the decadence of Mardi Gras. Rejuvenate away from the carnival festivities at our beauty atelier Spa and outdoor Pool Deck and refuel at the Hotel’s two signature restaurants featuring locally-loved, James Beard Award-winning chefs Alon Shaya and Donald Link. Hotel guests will be given priority for coveted Mardi Gras dining reservations to indulge in signature, local dishes and Carnival specials, like a king cake bread pudding. Always abuzz with celebration, the glamorous Chandelier Bar will welcome revelers with live music and classic New Orleans cocktails.
A true intersection of local culture, cuisine and musical traditions, Four Seasons offers the best access point from which to unlock New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Allow our concierge team to assist with local costuming services to join the party in style, arrange private access to Mardi Gras World to see where the floats are made and more.
Highlights
![A group of men playing horned instruments while walking down a street.]()
Love a Parade
Each Mardi Gras parade has its own history and theme defined by a krewe – the social organization who leads the parade. Mardi Gras isn’t only about super krewes such as Endymion and Muses, known for double-decker floats, marching bands and costumed dancers. Some of our smaller favourites include the always-entertaining Krewe du Vieux and the fun-sized ’tit Rəx. Canines even star in the tail-wagging Krewe of Barkus Parade. On Mardi Gras Day, the Societé de Sainte Anne draws throngs of revelers, as they march from the Bywater area to the French Quarter, stopping at bars along the way. Let our Concierge team guide you to their favourite celebrations.![Cream-coloured Gothic two-storey house in New Orleans with pink flower garland and Mardi Gras decorations]()
Throw Me Something, Mister
The tradition of tossing various trinkets and throws dates back to the early 20th century, when the Krewe of Rex popularized throwing coveted doubloons and collectible glass beads into the crowds. Today’s floats are loaded with beads, cups and doubloons, along with desired signature throws such as Zulu’s bedazzled coconuts and Muses’ glittery shoes. Light-up jewellery is also popular, with floats leaving a trail of blinking lights in their wakes. Don’t have room in your luggage for all you’ve collected? Our Hotel has partnered with Arc of Greater New Orleans to provide bead recycling, building a more sustainable Mardi Gras for years to come.![King Cake Box]()
A Sweet Surprise
Carnival season is synonymous with king cake. The cinnamon-laced, brioche-based cake, formed into a ring and decorated in purple, green and gold, is sold only from January 6 to Ash Wednesday. Brought to New Orleans from France in 1870 as a sweet way to mark the celebration of the Epiphany, the cake has become part of the city’s culture and is creatively interpreted by pastry chefs all over town. Our Hotel guests can enjoy our traditional French-style king cake with marzipan filling – and if your piece has the trinket of a baby in it, you are charged with bringing a king cake to the next party.![Colourful Mardi Gras mask with peacock feathers]()
Costume Up
Playing dress-up isn’t just for kids in New Orleans, especially during Mardi Gras. To feel like a local, you’ll want to don the essentials: a wig, sequins, mask and all manner of fantastical attire. Stores such as Fifi Mahoney’s wig shop, Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes and Southern Costume Company will have you strutting out in style.
