New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-The-Scenes Tour
Mardi Gras is a festival celebrated every year in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attracts millions of people from all over the world. It is a huge event that includes parades, extravagant costumes, music, and dance. Many people come to experience this festival, but few have the chance to visit the Mardi Gras World and learn about the behind-the-scenes process of how the festival is prepared. In this article, we will explore the New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-The-Scenes Tour and what you can expect to see.
What is Mardi Gras World?
Mardi Gras World is a museum and warehouse that displays the floats from the parades held during the Mardi Gras Festival. It was founded in 1947 by Blaine Kern, and is currently owned and operated by his son, Barry Kern. The Kern family is famous for their contribution to Mardi Gras, and over the years, they have created thousands of floats and designs for the festival.
What to Expect on the Tour
The New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-The-Scenes Tour is a guided tour that takes visitors through the different stages of creating the floats for the festival. The tour starts with a short video that gives a brief history of the festival and the Kern family's contribution to it. The guide then takes visitors through the different sections of the warehouse, where they can see the artists and craftsmen at work, creating the floats and the props that are used in the parade.
Visitors can see the artists working on the different stages of creating the floats, from the initial design to the final touches. They can also learn about the different materials used in creating the floats, such as papier-mâché, fiberglass, and foam. The tour includes a visit to a room where visitors can see some of the finished floats up close and take pictures.
One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to try on some of the costumes that are worn during the festival. Visitors can take pictures of themselves dressed in the colorful and elaborate costumes, and experience the feeling of being part of the celebrations.
Tour Information and Tips
The New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-The-Scenes Tour usually takes around one hour, and is offered seven days a week. The tours start every 30 minutes, and the last tour of the day starts at 4:30 pm. The admission fee is $22 per person, but children below 12 years of age get a discounted price of $14.50.
It is recommended that visitors book their tour in advance, especially during the peak season when the festival is held. Visitors should also wear comfortable shoes, as they will be walking around the warehouse for an hour. It is also advisable to bring a camera to take pictures of the colorful floats and the beautiful costumes.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-The-Scenes Tour is a unique opportunity to learn about the history and the process of creating the floats for the Mardi Gras Festival. Visitors can see the artists and craftsmen at work, creating the colorful and elaborate floats that are used in the parade. They can also try on some of the costumes that are worn during the festival, and take pictures to capture the memories. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting New Orleans during the Mardi Gras season.