Mardi Gras 2018 Schedule at a Glance
Mardi Gras 2018 followed the traditional sequence of the Carnival season in New Orleans, with key events clustered in February and early March. While specific parade dates and routes vary by organization, the season follows an annual calendar anchored by Mardi Gras day, which in 2018 fell on March 6. This explainer describes how the schedule is structured, how to locate verified parade details, and what remains consistent year after year.
How the Carnival Season Calendar Works
The Mardi Gras schedule is organized around Moveable Feasts and fixed cultural milestones. Each year, the season shifts based on Easter, but the sequence of events follows a durable pattern. Understanding this pattern helps you interpret any given year’s published parade schedule.
Key Seasonal Markers
| Event | Typical Timing | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Twelfth Night (January 6) | Epiphany | Season officially begins with events and king cake traditions |
| Laissez les bons temps rouler kickoff | Weekend of Twelfth Night | Parades and parties begin in earnest |
| Mardi Gras day | 7 weeks before Easter | Final day of Carnival, marked by major parades and citywide closures |
| Fat Tuesday | Synonymous with Mardi Gras day | Day of rich, fatty foods before Lent |
| Ash Wednesday | Day after Mardi Gras | Lent begins; season ends for most public events |
Major Organizations and Their 2018 Patterns
Multiple organizations produce New Orleans parades, each with distinct routes, themes, and schedules. For Mardi Gras 2018, the most prominent parades occurred in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, culminating on March 6. Below is a comparative overview of the season’s core elements:
Parade Organizations at a Glance
| Organization | Typical Role in Schedule | Schedule Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Krewe of Rex | Leads Mardi Gras day parades | Established traditions and route main thoroughfares |
| Krewe of Zulu | Mardi Gras day highlights | Iconic throws and culturally significant route |
| Krewe of Endymion | Major Saturday before Mardi Gras | Large spectacle parade with celebrity themes |
| Krewe of Bacchus | Sunday before Mardi Gras | Musical themes and large audience draws |
| Krewe of Zulu and Rex | Mardi Gras day morning and afternoon | Core schedule anchors for final day |
Reading the Published Mardi Gras 2018 Schedule
When looking at a Mardi Gras 2018 schedule, focus on four categories: parade times, route maps, throwing rules, and meetup logistics. Each parade listing typically includes start time, rolling start location, and neighborhood sequence. Because exact times and routes are finalized months ahead, cross-reference with the official sites of parade-producing organizations to confirm details.
What to Look for in Any Schedule
- Parade start times and whether they are rolling or set
- Street-by-street route maps and permitted spectator zones
- Rules for throws, including whether beads are sponsored
- Public transit changes and parking restrictions
- Weather contingency plans and schedule adjustments
How Routes and Times Are Determined
Parade routes are shaped by a combination of tradition, infrastructure capacity, and community agreements. Organizers submit proposals months in advance, and city agencies review feasibility based on street width, overhead clearance, and neighborhood impact. While themes and floats change annually, the underlying route framework tends to remain stable, making past schedules a reliable guide for interpreting new ones.
Common Misconceptions About the Schedule
Not all parades happen on Mardi Gras day, and not every event is city-organized. Some clubs hold smaller processions and private events that do not appear on public schedules. Additionally, the season’s emotional peak is on Fat Tuesday, but planning begins immediately afterward for the next year. Recognizing this ongoing cycle helps contextualize any single year’s timetable.
Planning Using the Mardi Gras Cycle
Even when reviewing a historical schedule like Mardi Gras 2018, the enduring framework is what remains most useful. Treat each year’s published times and routes as a snapshot within a recurring calendar. If you are planning for future Mardi Gras seasons, use the seasonal markers and organization list as a baseline, and check official channels each fall for updated details.