If your regular Mardi Gras plans include a trip to New Orleans for some parade fun, bead catching, and maybe a pub crawl in the French Quarter, this is not the year for you. All, or most, of the traditional Mardi Gras festivities across the state have come to a screeching halt in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A year ago we could not have imagined that there would be no parades, no bars open, and no to-go cups available in New Orleans for the weekend leading up to Mardi Gras day, but here we are.

New Orleans city officials are cracking down on people who think they are going to party as usual in the French Quarter, and across the city for our most famous holiday. In addition to bars being closed starting Friday night, February 12th, the city has announced, via WAFB in Baton Rouge, street closures and traffic plans leading up to Mardi Gras day. The plans will be enforced through 2:00 am on Tuesday, February 16th. And make no mistake, NOPD and Louisiana State Police will be out in full force looking for violators.

Restrictions from Friday, February 12th through 2 a.m. on February 16 include:

  • All bars operating in the city of New Orleans will be closed
  • No to-go cups of alcohol will be permitted
  • No package liquor sales allowed in the French Quarter
  • No live musical performances allowed anywhere in the city

It's interesting to note that as of Monday, February 8th, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes are not following the same guidelines. But we all know that could change. Y'all be safe out there, and Happy Mardi Gras.

 

 

Fun Things to do in Louisiana on February 16th That's Not Mardi Gras

 

 

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