Mardi Gras Safety

Mardi Gras Safety

Whether you choose to watch the parades or to give yourself over to the madness of the mass party on Bourbon Street and throughout the Quarter, use common sense, dress comfortably, and leave your valuables safely locked up at home or in safe-deposit boxes at your hotel. Don't carry excessive amounts of cash and don't wear tempting jewelry. Travel with one or more people rather than alone if possible, and set a permanent meeting spot where your family or group will convene at preset times throughout the day.

The police increase surveillance during the chaotic Carnival season. It is legal to carry alcoholic beverages (but not glass bottles) in the streets, but excessive public drunkenness might draw the attention of the cops. Do not throw anything at the floats or bands of parades, a ticketable and truly hazardous act. On the other hand, throwing change to the flambeaux, or torch carriers, who historically light the way for night parades, is customary.

Women at Mardi Gras

More women than you would imagine flash as barter for good beads; if you feel tempted to follow suit, be aware that the personal videos shot on Bourbon Street often wind up on cable shows like Girls Gone Wild! Also be aware that New Orleans police do crack down on public indecency during Carnival. And if you are groped or feel threatened in any way, be assured that a police officer will probably be in your sight range.

Children At Mardi Gras

In many respects Mardi Gras seems designed for kids. Floats, parades, whimsical gifts, costumes, street vendors with tasty snacks and exciting toys mark the season and revelry carries the day. The daytime parades are most suitable for family-rated fun. If you want to bring children to the evening parades, the Garden District around Third Street is a good option, though no spot is immune from the raucous and the bawdy.

Children are especially vulnerable during Mardi Gras and must be carefully watched. Each year accidents occur when children (or adults) venture too near the wheels of floats. If you have kids with you, pick a spot some way back from the rolling parade. Keep a trained eye on little hands and running feet. Many parents take the added precaution of having each child carry a note in their pocket with the parents' names, contact phone numbers, and local address.