Mardi Gras is one of the most vibrant and exciting events in the world. Every year, millions of people from all over the world flock to New Orleans to take part in the festivities. However, preparing for Mardi Gras can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the event. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top gifts and equipment that will help make your Mardi Gras experience more enjoyable.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to have a face mask on hand. A face mask is a simple yet effective way to protect yourself and others from the spread of the virus. It’s important to wear a mask at all times while in public, particularly in crowded areas like Mardi Gras parades.
February and March can be chilly in New Orleans, so bring some hand warmers if you’re prone to cold hands. These small packets of heat can provide much-needed warmth when you’re waiting for parades or walking around the city.
New Orleans can be hot and sunny, so it’s important to protect your skin with sunscreen. Make sure to apply sunscreen before heading out, and reapply it every few hours to ensure that you stay protected.
Mardi Gras is a vibrant and exciting festival, and you’ll want to capture all the fun and excitement on camera. Bring a camera with you to take photos and videos of the parades, parties, and festivities.
Protect your head and face from the sun with a hat. A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade and help prevent sunburns, while a baseball cap can keep the sun out of your eyes.
Even though it’s hot during the day, the temperature can drop significantly at night. Bring a jacket or sweater to keep you warm when the weather gets chilly.
If you plan on watching parades, a blanket can make the experience more comfortable. Spread out a blanket on the ground to sit on and enjoy the parade in comfort.
If you want to get a better view of the parades, bring a pair of binoculars. This will help you see the details of the parade floats and costumes, and make for a more immersive experience.
Keep your valuables close and your hands free with a fanny pack. A fanny pack is a convenient and secure way to carry your phone, wallet, and other important items while you’re out and about.
Make yourself more visible in the crowds with glow sticks. These fun and colorful accessories can also help you find your friends in the crowds.
Finally, don’t forget the beads! Mardi Gras wouldn’t be complete without them. Bring some beads to throw and share with others, and join in on the fun and excitement of this amazing festival.
One of the most important items to have during Mardi Gras is a pair of comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking and standing for long periods of time, so it’s essential to have shoes that provide support and comfort.
New Orleans is known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s important to be prepared for rain. Bring a raincoat and an umbrella to ensure that you’re ready for any sudden downpours.
With so many people in close proximity, it’s easy to catch a cold or other illness. That’s why hand sanitizer is a must-have item during Mardi Gras. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you at all times to stay healthy and germ-free.
You’ll likely be taking a lot of photos and videos during Mardi Gras, so it’s important to have a portable phone charger to keep your phone battery charged. This will ensure that you never miss a moment of the excitement.
With all the excitement and activity, it’s easy to forget to eat. Bring along some snacks like granola bars or trail mix to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
Staying hydrated is essential during Mardi Gras, especially with all the walking and dancing. Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up at one of the many water stations throughout the city.
Protect your eyes from the bright sun and flying beads with a pair of sunglasses. This will also help you see more clearly during the daytime parades.
With all the noise from the crowds and marching bands, it’s important to protect your ears with earplugs. This will help prevent any long-term hearing damage.
Cash:
Many vendors and street performers only accept cash, so it’s important to bring some with you. Keep your cash in a secure location, such as a money belt or fanny pack.
If you plan on watching parades, you may also want to bring a blanket or portable chair to sit on. Binoculars can help you get a better view of the parade floats, while glow sticks can make you more visible in the crowded streets at night.
Finally, don’t forget to bring some beads! Mardi Gras is all about the beads, and you’ll want to make sure that you have plenty to throw and share with others. In fact, bringing extra beads can be a great way to make new friends and spread the joy and excitement of Mardi Gras.
In summary, Mardi Gras is a one-of-a-kind event that is not to be missed. With the right gifts and equipment, you can have a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience. Be sure to pack the essential items mentioned above, as well as any other items that you feel will enhance your Mardi Gras experience. So grab your gear, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to let the good times roll!
