I rode a Mardi Gras float on my first trip to New Orleans—here’s what no one tells you

What better time than Mardi Gras for a Florida girl’s first visit to New Orleans—and what better way to experience Mardi Gras for the first time than fully sending it and riding on a float?

I’m fortunate to get a lot of unique opportunities as a travel writer, but riding a float in a Mardi Gras parade during my very first visit to New Orleans will forever be one of my top favorites. While I grew up hearing plenty of lore about a fellow gator-infested state—and, of course, epic tales of the wild festivities of Mardi Gras—I didn’t know much going into it, but I dove right into the deep end and came back with stories to tell.

But first, the most important takeaway: whether you ride a float in a Mardi Gras parade or not, stay at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel or similar lodging with stands for front-row viewing of the parades on Canal Street.

Rooms are in high demand and rates may be steep accordingly, but it’s beyond worth it for the raised VIP parade-viewing spot, ease of access, comfortable amenities, and convenience during the city’s most chaotic (and crowded) season. Coming off the littered streets and “home” to the peaceful Sheraton each night, with its views over the city and Mardi Gras decor throughout, was the only thing restorative enough to keep me partying all Mardi Gras week long.

What to Know Before You Ride a Float at Mardi Gras

Many non-New Orleanians don’t realize there are parades happening all the time in the lead-up to Mardi Gras, which begins on Epiphany (January 6) and ends on Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day), the day before the Christian fasting season of Lent begins (Ash Wednesday); New Orleans Tourism says there are more than 40 in Orleans Parish alone.

Each of those parades is filled with floats, which are filled with riders—and you, too, could be one of them, though it’s not quite as simple as buying a ticket or upgrading your parade spot.

I was lucky enough to roll in the Krewe of Orpheus parade on Lundi Gras—one of the top New Orleans Mardi Gras parades, and one of the city’s “super krewes.” The Orpheus parade always rolls on the Monday immediately before Mardi Gras Day and culminates with the epic black-tie Orpheuscapade (more on that later).

According to their website, “Founded in 1993 by a small group including Harry Connick Jr., Harry Connick Sr., and Captain Sonny Borey, the Krewe of Orpheus is a Mardi Gras organization open to all men and women of good character and spirited personality.” They call themselves “consciously nonexclusive” and boast a diverse krewe of “1,300 members from all walks of life.”

After riding with them, I can confirm all of the above.

How You Can Ride a Float in a Mardi Gras Parade

If you’re wondering how to ride a float in a Mardi Gras parade, there are a few things to know about how it works.

The parades are put on by Krewes. There are hundreds of Krewes—or organizations that stage parades (basically themed social clubs)—in New Orleans. Some are very old and exclusive, open only to generational membership and similar paths of acceptance, but others will permit the public, or those with no existing familial or social ties to the organization.

To join the latter type, you’ll just need eager participation, a good amount of energy, and pretty substantial funds; it can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in membership dues and throws, which are required to join a Krewe and ride on a float. You’ll have to find a Krewe that’s open to new members, apply, and wait to hear back, so it also requires a decent bit of pre-planning.

Even though I was flying solo and didn’t come with a built-in Mardi Gras background, everyone in my Krewe was friendly, welcoming, and happy to have me, so I made friends quickly. Be a gracious, enthusiastic rider who respects the history and values of the organization (and the city as a whole), and you can expect the same treatment.

Whether you’re riding a float or merely spectating, it’s important to understand that you’re a guest engaging with a long-standing, long-established New Orleans tradition; educate yourself and show up eager to learn, pitch in, follow the rules, and bring the fun.

What Is It Like to Ride a Float in a Mardi Gras Parade?

Riding a float in a Mardi Gras parade isn’t for the faint of heart—or the serious of temperament. And it’s not a passive partying position; you have a (fun) job to do and traditions to uphold!

After an initial Captain’s Party the evening before, you’ll meet in the late morning for brunch and an Orpheus 101 briefing before heading to the massive Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, where all the floats are staged; there’s also a luncheon. 

In the early afternoon, you pick up your costume and throws, then report to your assigned float and start setting up your station. You’ll unpack loads and loads of beads (as in, hundreds of pounds of beads and fun throws, from cups to oversized necklaces to stuffed animals!), hanging them on hooks around the float and getting everything ready to throw.

Before long, you’re harnessed up and it’s time to get moving. You’ll pass by the legendary Tipitina’s then turn the corner and the parade officially begins. (Though our parade began at 6 p.m., as the 19th float in the parade, it took a while to actually get going—but even the anticipation is electric.)

What comes next will be a blur, but also perhaps the most fun you’ll ever have in your life. For about four hours straight, you’ll feel like a straight-up rockstar, complete with raving, screaming fans waving their hands at you and begging for a toss. It’s electrifying, euphoric, easily one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had—better than skydiving, crowdsurfing, and even, yes, whatever else you’re thinking of right now.

With crowds along the three-mile route numbering in the hundreds of thousands, loud music blaring, and smiles on everyone’s faces, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the energy of the moment, laughing and dancing and working the crowd like everyone’s favorite celebrity for hours on end. You’ll barely notice the time passing.

All good things must come to an end, but you won’t have to go straight from “on stage” to normal life. Around 11 p.m., we pulled into the convention center and the epic next phase of the night began—the Orpheuscapade, a party for the entire Krewe and 5,000 of our closest friends.

With live music by renowned musicians, dancing, food and drink, and throws from the floats as they roll through for a final lap, the epic all-night party is a draw of its own; it’s known as one of the top Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.

What to Know Before Riding a Float in a Mardi Gras Parade

If you didn’t grow up in New Orleans, you may be unfamiliar with the pomp, circumstance, and pageantry surrounding this historic annual celebration—but let me tell you, the traditions and stories have defined families and social circles for generations and are still alive and well today. 

The themes, decor, and lore differ from year to year, but they’re always mythical, colorful, and elaborately built and adorned. My float was named The Cradle Will Fall, but there were 28 in our procession, all decked out in beautiful excess.

Before you ride, you’ll get schooled on the etiquette and rules, like the fact that it’s mandatory for all riders to wear their hood, mask, and gloves while rolling (taking off your costume on the route is strictly prohibited; mystery and anonymity within the Krewe is an important tradition).

Most importantly, it’s a long day. Comfortable shoes and clothes are a must since you’ll be on your feet much of the day, and after, you’ll want to stay late-night for the Orpheuscapade, an epic Mardi Gras ball where you’ll party and dance all night (or begin to sober up, depending). 

Aside from the parade itself, one of my favorite memories was watching the midnight Rex Ball on Mardi Gras Day live on TV from my hotel room. As a Floridian, I didn’t grow up with this long-standing Louisiana scene in my purview, so I didn’t understand the significance before visiting. However, the televised, public-facing portions of the spectacle were so fascinating, I couldn’t turn it off—I hadn’t even been partying that day and stayed up watching until 3 o’clock in the morning!

Visiting New Orleans Outside of Mardi Gras

As fun as it is to be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, there’s no bad time to hit The Big Easy; summer is a slower period yet still packed with events and festivals.

You may not be able to eat your weight in king cake during this time of year, but the beignets at Café du Monde are still just as scrumptious. Grab a coffee and chicory café au lait while you’re at it; you can order it iced or frozen.

Other New Orleans musts? Dine at The Court of Two Sisters, which can trace its property history all the way back to 1726; grab a muffuletta in the French Quarter (I snagged a particularly delicious one as I meandered the French Market); stroll Bourbon Street just to say you did; and duck into a live jazz bar for a taste of the city’s soul, Mardi Gras time or not.