Mardi gras will be here in under a week. While many
celebrations will be happening all across the USA, no one can deny that the
biggest celebration of the holiday can be found in New Orleans. Every year, an
estimated 1 million or more people flood into the city for the “biggest free
party on earth”. If you are heading to New Orleans for the first time, you need
to be prepared to deal with the large crowds.
The best thing you can do is know the rules and read up on
safety tips so that you can enjoy the celebration safely. There are crowd
control measures in place but with so many people, you have to be vigilant. We’ve
compiled some tips regarding crowds for you below.
~ Keep personal effect such as coolers, blankets, ladders,
etc at least six feet away from the curve while watching the parades.
~ Do not take up more space than you need. There are many
people there to enjoy the festivities. Blocking traffic and other people from
claiming a spot is unfair and unsafe.
~ Arrive early. It is generally recommended you arrive to a
parade you want to see four hours early or more if you want a good spot. Some
people camp out all day for their spot. Do not try to fight into the crowds right
before a parade starts.
~ Respect the police. They are experts at crowd control and
are overworked during this time of year. Follow their instructions to stay safe
and out of trouble.
~ Do not reach down to pick up beads, doubloons, etc. With
all the crowds, excitement, and movement, it can be dangerous. You may be
knocked over or stepped on. If something is on the ground that you want, put
your foot on it until there is a gap in the floats, then pick it up.
~ Exercise caution around floats. Crowds may swell forwards
without notice and this can cause accidents. Keep an eye on the parades and the
crowds, especially if you have children with you.
~ Never run into the street. Floats cannot easily stop and
it is easy to be injured. Stay off to the sides and enjoy the parades from the curves.
~ Do not bring or display valuables while attending the
celebrations. Thieves are numerous in crowds.
~ Unless you know the area, stick with the crowds. New
Orleans has many pockets of safe and unsafe areas. Attempting to take alternate
routes when you don’t know an area just to avoid crowds can be dangerous.
Exercise caution and common sense during this celebration
and you will have a great time with a lot of fun memories. Go, be safe, and
have fun!
