Whether you are a Freshman, coming in from out of town, or simply retreated into the safe harbor of your dorm for Mardi Gras last year, you find that Carnival season is once again alive in the city and you aren’t sure what to make of it.
As someone experiencing her third full Carnival season in New Orleans, I’ve learned a few lessons and thought it only proper that I share my knowledge with those around me.
So, without further ado – I proclaim the following to be the 6 Commandments of Carnival.
1. NEVER flash for beads or pee in the streets.
It’s illegal and trashy. It will get you arrested so fast you won’t have time to say “Hi mom” to the girls gone wild cameras. I know some of you (even if you choose not to admit it) have peed behind a building or dumpster before, and with the long lines and gross/limited bathrooms during Mardi Gras it’s pretty tempting. However, during Mardi Gras it’s one of the top things people get arrested for.
2. Don’t be around people who are being stupid.
You don’t have to be the stupid one during Mardi Gras to get yourself arrested. If there is any trouble happening, the cops arrest EVERYONE anywhere near it without asking questions. They keep you in jail until after Fat Tuesday, no matter what. That could mean 5 days in jail, even if you didn’t do anything. This is a serious warning. I know multiple people who this has happened to.Â
3. You don’t just have to go to Bourbon Street.
We have plenty of better places to have a good time. Honestly, Bourbon is overly crowded, smells like horse poop and vomit, and the drinks cost more than Tulane tuition. There are some good clubs in the CBD (The Republic, The Metropolitan, Ampersand) and Frenchman street always pulls through for holidays. For those of you coming from outside NOLA for the festivities, also try uptown (Magazine, Broadway, and Maple streets) for a good college atmosphere
4. Don’t wear open-toed shoes on any of the streets.
For those of you who have been out here before, you know this is law. My friend cut her foot open on a broken beer bottle two Halloweens ago, another friend had a piece of glass go through her flip-flop during
Mardi Gras, and there’s always the issue of people stepping on your toes on the uber crowded streets. Â This rule applies to parades, bar hopping, and other general tomfoolery.
5. Have a plan.
Even if you are going somewhere with a huge group of people, even if you have done this a million times, even if you know nothing bad will happen. Set a meeting place. Invariably someone’s phone will get stepped on/stolen/die from lack of battery and they will be the ones lose the group and be stuck in no man’s land. Set a place for everyone to meet up at if you suddenly realize someone is missing. Also, carry cash. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS carry cash. This will get you a taxi/streetcar ride home if necessary. The ATMs charge stupid large fees and always run out of money during Mardi Gras.
6. Have fun!
This is your opportunity to be whomever you want. Wear a purple wig. Wear a mask. Wear an ugly purple, green, and gold striped shirt. It’s okay to look silly. Mardi Gras is supposed to be one big party so act like it. Take lots of pictures and post them in an album your parents can’t see. Make out with a cute boy. College is a time to live it up and make those memories that make you look back later and say, “What was I thinking?”. Having said all that – don’t be stupid.
Wear a mask ≠do whatever you want because no one will know it’s you.
Look silly ≠look slutty.
Make out with a cute boy ≠Hook up with a random boy.
I’m sure you all get the picture so I’ll stop patronizing and leave you all to your fun. I’d also like to close by saying – “Only in New Orleans, Only at Tulane.”