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In several areas around the world that historically have had a large Catholic population, Carnival season kicks off annually on January 6th, or Epiphany, marking the start of celebrations with traditional and decadent parades, balls, and king cakes. This has created unique tourist destinations, with Louisiana's festivities and local hospitality being one of the most well-known and popular. While one of the most fun times of the year, all of that celebrating can be hard on us physically. Most locals know that Mardi Gras is "a marathon, not a sprint" to quote an old adage, but what does that actually look like? Whether you are a native, a transplant, or a visitor, here are some useful Mardi Gras Marathon Tips that will keep you partying all the way to Ash Wednesday:
It may seem obvious but check the forecast before and the day of your event. You can still wear your gold, purple, and green tutu, but make sure you have comfortable shoes for walking, a warm and waterproof jacket, and prepare for possible mud. You may want to bring a rain poncho or an umbrella, just in case there is a surprise shower. Bring sunglasses and reapply sunscreen as UV rays come through, even on cloudy and rainy days. Bring a flashlight (make sure it works or has batteries) and reflective clothing or accessories if attending a parade at night.
It is a good idea to check the parade routes ahead of time, figure out parking locations or other transportation, and communicate this with your friends or family whether you are going solo or in a group. Some roads may be closed off, and some parade routes have changed from year to year. When walking to a parade, identify the nearest cross streets around you. Exchange and physically write down phone numbers with your group in case you lose your phone, and use the buddy system if possible. If children are in your group, make sure that their needs are accounted for in your group's plans. Consider and discuss meals with your group for the day of the parade or party. If you drink any alcohol or partake in any substance that can cause impairment at or before an event, make sure you have safe transportation arranged and sober buddies around for safety. Taxis or transportation services such as Uber or Lyft may be expensive or unavailable. If you or your group is driving a personal vehicle, tank up ahead of time to avoid the possibility of getting stranded as well as lines and higher prices at gas stations. Without communicating expectations with your group, there may be confusion based on assumptions that everyone is on the same page. Decide on a meet-up spot in case cellular phone service goes down and you and your group get separated.
Mardi Gras celebrations can be messy, chaotic, and crowded with long lines and traffic, so don't forget hand sanitizer, your charged cellphone, a small portable and charged power bank, and healthy snacks with some protein, like trail mix. It doesn't hurt to bring enough cash for a meal or something else you need, just make sure you have it stowed away securely on your body, possibly under your clothes rather than in a purse or bag that could be lost or stolen more easily. Many restaurants and vendors in the surrounding area are cash-only during parades. Toilet paper stored in a zipped bag and a pack of wet wipes may serve you well as portable or nearby restrooms may run out.
If you are bringing a ladder or chairs for a parade, you may want to bring a small wagon or something to assist in carrying your accoutrement to avoid injury to yourself and others. You may also want to include bags for throws and a first aid kit which could be as simple as a small zipped bag with bandages, antibiotic ointment, and some medicine. Hard plastic beads and light-up wands launched into your face hurt, and maybe that king cake you had for breakfast isn't going to sit right on your stomach. There may be high heel shoes and coconuts flying in the air. Prepare accordingly. Whether or not you and your krewe are drinking alcohol, staying hydrated during festivities is important so make sure to pack plenty of water in closable bottles or tumblers. You may want to pack a few extra of these items to share in case someone in your group forgets something.
Before the parade starts, keep track of your group and take note of your immediate surroundings. To avoid injury, do not cross between or try to grab throws under floats. Be aware of children in your vicinity, and make sure whatever you bring with you is secure. There are often barriers or barricades to keep the crowd safe, and it is wise to stay behind them. There will often be police and medical service stations available at large parades so take note of their locations in case of any emergencies.
Any celebration, large or small, can be taxing so make sure you take breaks and rest. If you are attending multiple parades and parties during the season, make sure to hydrate, eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains, and get a good night's sleep between events. Treat yourself with a relaxing foot soak or other activities on the off-days. Going to parades can be a great opportunity for physical exercise with so much walking, standing, dancing, and chicken chasing (if you are in Cajun country), but it can wear you out. If you don't regularly exercise, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor and increase or introduce more physical activity into your routine to help prepare your muscles and build stamina.
Mardi Gras, by definition, is about indulgence. Enjoy different (or just your favorite) king cakes, cannoli, gumbo, boudin, shrimp dip, and other local delicacies, but pace yourself and choose a reasonable portion to help prevent the possibility of feeling sluggish or nauseous due to overeating these calorie-dense foods. You can enjoy them over the course of weeks of carnival season instead of cramming all of these different rich foods into just Fat Tuesday. Don't skip the veggie or fruit trays, as all the vitamins, minerals, and fiber will help keep your body in working order for all the partying you are doing. It is also okay to pick and choose which parades you most want to go to and skip the others to prevent exhaustion. Prioritize your and your group's needs.
Despite being a big party, being in large crowds and surrounded by visitors who may not know local customs, laws, and the layout of the area can be stressful. Try to practice good parade etiquette to ensure you and everyone around you can feel safe and have fun. If you are feeling exhausted or not having a good time, it is okay to change what you are doing or leave the event temporarily or completely. Communicate with your group and have back-up and exit plans, making sure there are contingencies if you or someone in your group is not feeling well. With all the chaos during events, frustration can build. If you tend to feel overwhelmed or aggravated when things get hectic, you may want to discuss different destressing exercises as well as relaxation or breathing techniques with your doctor ahead of time. Most importantly, relax and have a good time. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
