Louisiana

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Experiences|Events

These 8 Vintage Pictures of Mardi Gras in New Orleans Will Simply Mesmerize You

A nostalgic look at vintage Mardi Gras photos from New Orleans, showcasing how some traditions have remained unchanged over the years.

Published Jan 11, 2018

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Mardi Gras is a little over a month away, so we thought we'd take a stroll down memory lane with some vintage pictures from past parades in New Orleans. Funny to see how some things have changed yet some things are exactly the same.

1. Rex parade coming down Canal Street in 1930.

alt
Wikimedia

How crazy are the crowds? You can't even tell where the band ends and the crowd begins.

advertisement

2. King Rex receiving the keys to the city.

alt
Wikimedia

In 1940.

3. Just a group of friends hanging out during Mardi Gras in the 1930s. I love that this picture seems timeless.

alt
Wikimedia

You could tell me it was taken last year and I’d believe it.

4. Folks having a good time at a Mardi Gras ball in the 1930s.

alt
Wikimedia

Some things never change.

advertisement

5. Rex Parade rolling down Canal Street in the 1930s.

alt
Wikimedia

Those crowds are unbelievable.

6. Rex parade in 1906.

alt
Wikimedia

The depth of that crowd is really crazy.

7. A couple smooching in 1936.

alt
Wikimedia

How cute.

8. And these two having a good time.

alt
Wikimedia

Louis Armstrong with King Zulu in 1955

advertisement

Would you like to see more articles like this? Let us know in the comments below.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Events

These 9 Rare Photos Show New Orleans’ Mardi Gras History Like Never Before

Showcases nine vintage photos of New Orleans' Mardi Gras, highlighting the unique and historical aspects of the celebration.

Updated Feb 18, 2023

Written by 

Kezia Kamenetz

Have you ever been to New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebration? If not, you've probably seen it on television or in numerous photos. Some of the best photos were taken many decades ago, including the 9 vintage Mardi Gras photos listed below. Each of these old Mardi Gras pictures is truly special. In fact, they're some of the best vintage Mardi Gras photos you'll ever see. You're going to love them!

advertisement

1. Masked Group in the French Quarter, 1905

alt
Wikicommons / Alexander Allison

The cobblestone streets in the French Quarter look amazing!

2. Comus, 1907

alt
Wikicommons / Period Illustration

Did floats really look like this in 1907? I'm truly amazed! Is that real palmetto?

3. Mardi Gras Float Postcard, 1908

alt
Wikicommons / Public Domain

The beauty of this Mardi Gras float is really something amazing!

4. Frenchmen Street Maskers, 1910

alt
Wikicommons / Infrogmation

There is a truly magical feeling to this blast from the past to Frenchmen Street.

advertisement

5. Comus Modern Art World, 1916

alt
Wikimedia Commons

This is another beautiful parade float from 1916.

6. Mardi Gras Canal Street, 1920s

alt
Wikicommons

This blast from the past gives you a whole new perspective of Canal Street.

7. Clowns, 1936

alt
Flickr.com / Infrogmation

These three clowns are the true definition of classic clowns.

8. Canal Street Parades, 1960

alt
Flickr.com / Infrogmation

There is something quite interesting about the way they built these parade floats from 1960.

advertisement

9. Canal Street Clowns

alt
Wikicommons / Lipsher Specialty Co

This photo shows another example of how truly unique clowns are during New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebration.

What do you think about these vintage Mardi Gras photos? Pretty amazing, right? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, let us know what your favorite part of New Orleans' Mardi Gras is. We would appreciate hearing your feedback.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Events

4 Christmas Light Displays Around New Orleans That Are Pure Magic

Discover some of the best Christmas light displays in Louisiana, from drive-thru experiences to immersive strolls.

Updated Oct 14, 2022

Written by 

Kezia Kamenetz

As the holiday season approaches, you'll want to start filling up your calendar with all of the incredible holiday events going around in the city. One of the most popular holiday traditions is, of course, checking out all of the Christmas lights, and we've got some of our favorite places to go when you're on the search for the best Christmas lights near New Orleans. Whether it's date night or a whole family excursion, all of these events are excellent ways to celebrate the holidays.

advertisement

1. The Roosevelt Hotel

A festive hallway adorned with sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and a central statue, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
facebook.com/TheRooseveltNewOrleans

It's not Christmas in New Orleans until you take a stroll through The Roosevelt Hotel's lobby. For years now this beautiful display has delighted visitors offering one of the most gorgeous celebrations of light and celebration in New Orleans.

2. Canal Street Lighting Ceremony

A large Santa figure atop a chimney structure, surrounded by palm trees in a festive urban setting.
facebook.com/DowntownNOLA

This beautiful Christmas event in New Orleans will create a moment for the city to come together and celebrate the beauty of the Christmas tree. The ceremonial lighting takes place right around Thanksgiving and the lights shine through the New Year.

3. Celebration in the Oaks at City Park

A festive scene with colorful holiday lights on a cabin, featuring Santa and alligators, as two children admire the display.
facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks
A large tree adorned with sparkling white lights, surrounded by a festive atmosphere and people enjoying the display.
facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks
A glowing white unicorn made of lights leaps in a dark park, surrounded by festive decorations and twinkling lights.
facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks

Each year thousands of visitors flock to City Park for one of the most breathtaking light displays you'll find anywhere. There is truly something for everyone here--whether you decide to take the walking or the driving tour, this is easily one of the most popular Christmas light displays near New Orleans.

4. Luna Fete

advertisement
A nighttime cityscape featuring illuminated buildings and a monument in the foreground, with traffic lights in the background.
https://www.lunafete.com
People watch a colorful light projection on a historic building during a nighttime event.
https://www.lunafete.com

For one of the most unique Christmas light displays in New Orleans, check out Luna Fete. Using the city as the canvas, Luna Fete combines holiday lights with laser lights and incredible displays peppered around downtown New Orleans for an incredible mash-up of technology and tradition that you just need to see for yourself. This year, the festivities take place December 15-18, 2022 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park.

How many of these beautiful places have you enjoyed? Do you have a favorite display that you would like to investigate? Let us know what you think in the comments below. We love to hear your feedback! If you need some more convincing on spending your Christmas in New Orleans, here are seven reasons why Christmas in New Orleans is simply the best.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Caves & Rock Formations

The Completely Free Natural Attraction Hiding in a Wyoming Park Is a Must-Visit

by Megan McDonald
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Natural Wonder in Idaho Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 14
alt
Food
Breweries & Wineries

The Best Apple Cider in Alaska Comes From This Award-Winning Hard Cidery

by Jennifer
on Nov 14
alt
Trip Ideas
Road Trips

The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Oregon’s Most Charming Small Towns

by Natasha Kayes
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Tennessee Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Chris Dodge
on Nov 14
The bright green grass on top of Roan Mountain overlooks layers of mountains in the distance.