Louisiana’s Mardi Gras season begins Jan. 6, drawing over a million visitors for parades, feasting, and traditions like king cake and bead-throwing.

Carnival season in Louisiana, beginning on January 6, marks the pre-Lenten celebration leading to Mardi Gras on February 17, drawing over a million visitors to New Orleans and beyond. The festivities feature parades, balls, feasting, and vibrant traditions like king cake, a sweet pastry with a hidden baby symbolizing luck. Major parades, including Endymion’s, toss over 15 million throws—beads, candy, and novelty items—while regional customs include the Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras and the Mardi Gras Indian tradition in New Orleans, reflecting deep cultural and historical roots.