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Things to Know for Mardi Gras 2015

Carnival season is already here in New Orleans! It began with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, 2015. The Big Easy is gearing up for another year of large crowds, fun parades, charity balls and parties. An estimated 500,000 visitors will be in town between the first parade on Saturday, January 31st in the French Quarter, Krewe du Vieux, and Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2015. New Orleans is known for having the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, and each year people travel from all over the world to revel in the festivities.

What You Should Know about Napoleon Street for Mardi Gras

There are always a few changes for Mardi Gras each year. For 2015, you should know that Napoleon Street’s neutral ground (median) will not be open for parade spectators as a result of a construction project. This means that if you and your family are used to setting up on Napoleon Street neutral ground for the Uptown parades, you’re going to have to find a new spot. Perhaps the other side of the street, but that might get very crowded. There are other parts of St. Charles Ave. that you can probably watch from that aren’t as crowded, though if you have small children, the parades will end at a later time. City officials and the Army Corps of Engineers are most concerned with the safety of parade-goers, so the neutral ground will be fenced off and closed.

If you are coming to Uptown from different parts of the city, the Northshore, Kenner or Metairie, be aware that the intersection of Napoleon and Freret Streets will be closed for the next two months while the water line is replaced. You will probably be detoured around it, but I suggest avoiding Napoleon altogether.

2015 Mardi Gras Parade Changes

Krewe du Vieux has changed its route for 2015. Going with theme of “Begging for Change,” KDV will not loop back through the French Quarter this Saturday, but rather will continue into the Central Business District and on up to the Civic Theatre. Although there will be some people upset they can’t watch this satirical walking parade roll by twice, there will also be a larger viewing area for those who don’t enjoy the crowds as much.

Another popular walking parade, Krewe of Chewbacchus, will also roll through a new route on Saturday, February 7th. The parade will take off from the intersection of St. Claude Ave & Lesseps Street in the Bywater and march up St. Claude Ave, turn left on Franklin Ave, right on Decatur, right on Dauphine and back down to Poland Ave towards its starting point. There’s a rumor that Chewbacca himself, Peter Mayhew, will be in attendance.

For a schedule of Mardi Gras parades, click here.

Getting Around New Orleans During Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras time is the best time of year to work those legs and walk around the city. Due to parades, traffic, closures of streets, the RTA Street Car and changes to bus routes, not to mention a higher demand for taxi-cabs and Uber, your best bet is almost always to walk. In the event you can’t walk, you should pay attention to the street closures and construction happening around town. Here is a good map that the Army Corps of Engineers and the RTA put together to show you which roads will be closed, which streets will have only one-way traffic, lane restrictions and construction activity.

From Crescent City Law, our best advice to you during Mardi Gras, and any time, is not to drink and drive. Not only will traffic and parking be a mess, but it is extremely illegal and dangerous to drive while under the influence. In 2015, Louisiana updated their DWI laws, and you may face harsher fines, jail time and probation periods.

Crescent City Law Offers Free Consultations

Mardi Gras can be a very fun, but very hectic time of year in New Orleans. Sometimes, you can get swept up in the frenzy. If you find yourself in trouble during Mardi Gras, please feel free to call Crescent City Law for your free initial consultation at (504) 264-9492 or e-mail us here. We are available nights, weekends and off-site for your convenience. Stay tuned for more information about what you should know about this year’s Mardi Gras season.

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