The invitation-only honor to ride on a float in a Mardi Gras parade is extraordinarily exclusive—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for even the most seasoned traveler. Until now.
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AFAR Experiences is heading to New Orleans this March 2nd to 4th for three days and two nights of Mardi Gras fun, which will culminate in a float ride with the Krewe of Orpheus, a "super krewe" that boasts one of the largest and most spectacular parades.
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Leading up to Lundi Gras, the night before Mardi Gras and the day of the Orpheus parade, AFAR will offer attendees an authentic, exclusive opportunity to experience Mardi Gras just as the locals do: from their front porches, at their crawfish boils, and on the city's neighborhood streets, surrounded by friends, family and revelers of all ages. Plus, we'll introduce attendees to some of the city's most respected and knowledgeable Mardi Gras “insiders,” from writers and historians to Mardi Gras Indians. And all of this while feasting on traditional NOLA cuisine and grooving to live musical performances.
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Mardi Gras is a time to be colorful, be joyous, and be with incredible new (and old) friends. Gather your glitter, sequins, masks and costumes, and celebrate Carnival season right—with AFAR Experiences.
After you arrive in New Orleans, join us for a late afternoon welcome reception to meet the AFAR team and your fellow travelers at the Ace Hotel. That evening, you’ll be transported to an exclusive and surprise-filled masquerade ball set in a stunning private home—complete with costumes, music, and cuisine prepared by James Beard Award-winning chef Justin Devillier. Party theme and costume suggestions will be shared with attendees in advance.
Celebrate Mardi Gras like—and with—locals. We’ll kick off the morning with two intimate speaker sessions with award-winning historical geographer and author Richard Campanella and “Mr. Mardi Gras,” aka Arthur Hardy, a nationally recognized authority on Mardi Gras.
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Then we’ll head Uptown to watch the Thoth parade and catch some beads! Simone Reggie, the owner of Simone’s Market and a fixture in the New Orleans food scene, will open her home and her kitchen, so we can enjoy bowls of gumbo and king cakes as the floats roll on by.
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Later that afternoon, we’ll enjoy a traditional crawfish boil at a private house party as the crowds await the arrival of the Krewe of Bacchus, one of the most anticipated parades of the Carnival season. Moving on, you’ll have the chance to experience an evening parade from a spectator's perspective, and from the comfort of private viewing stands which are close to the hotel (so the night ends when you want it to!)
 After a good night's rest, we'll gather in the morning for a speaker session with Mardi Gras Indian Chief Shaka Zulu, followed by a hearty brunch to sustain us for the amazing day and night ahead.
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Stamina is required for the day of the ride, as there will be periods of waiting while the floats assemble, but your patience and understanding will be rewarded as you embark on what is guaranteed to be one of the most electrifying, life-affirming experiences you've ever encountered. Parade costumes, masks, and food and beverages will be provided, as well as a starter package of beads and throws for your ride (additional throws are HIGHLY recommended and can be purchased in advance or on-site).
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Once rolling, the parade duration will be approximately four to six hours, during which time you will be fully immersed in the heart of the action.
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Following the parade, we’ll celebrate our last night together with the rest of the Krewe at the Orpheuscapade, a lively after-party with world class entertainment. You’ll be the envy of the crowd as you and your fellow costumed riders roll into the party throwing those last few beads to revelers and partying together into the morning hours.Â
AFAR highly encourages you to stay in New Orleans for Fat Tuesday and explore all the Mardi Gras festivities happening around the city that day. A list of activity suggestions will be provided, such as a walk through the French Quarter in your most colorful and festive attire. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Ace Hotel New Orleans, the official hotel partner for AFAR Experiences, sits at the intersection of Carondelet and Lafayette streets in a beautiful 1928 art deco building, flanked by museums and galleries in the city's culturally-vibrant Warehouse District. A stone's throw from the French Quarter, our historic nine-story building has marinated in the magic of one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities for nearly a century. Ace New Orleans is home to some of the finest dining and drinking in the city, plus a music venue right on site—a magnet for the city's most welcoming cultural emissaries.
A list of AFAR Mardi Gras attendees has been shared with the hotel. Registered attendees can book hotel rooms directly, up until December 28th only, by calling Ace Hotel central reservations at 504-941-9191 and quoting “AFAR Mardi Gras”. Please note there is a 60-day cancellation policy on all bookings. Room rates are honored two days pre- and post-AFAR Experiences, subject to availability.
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Availability during Mardi Gras is extremely limited, and we advise booking your room as soon as possible. If you are unable to stay the Ace Hotel, there are nearby hotels we can recommend, however note that all daily event transportation will pick up/drop off at the Ace.
