Get ready to let the good times roll with this Mardi Gras playlist
Mardi Gras is one of the world’s largest celebrations, and we want you to be ready.
Although the parades and parties have already hit the streets of New Orleans, the week officially begins on Feb.21, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Traditionally Mardi Gras (also known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday) celebrates the beginning of the Lent season, the six weeks leading up to the Easter holiday.
On average more than 1 million tourists flood the streets of NOLA for endless events.
Mardi Gras performance clubs, known as “krewes,” host over 100 parades throughout the city. The streets are full of elaborate floats, dancers in costumes, brass brands and the coveted throws. “Throws” are items tossed into the crowd during parades. Throws can range from beaded necklaces, cups, stuffed animals or other hand painted shoes or coconuts.
Mardi Gras events include more than parades and viral clips of people drinking. The traditions of the season also consist of formal Balls to announce the King and Queen of each krewe, finding the lucky baby in a king cake and donning purple (justice), gold (power) and green (faith).
The brass bands and music heard through every ward keep the heartbeat of Mardi Gras. New Orleans is home to Jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino, rap icons Lil Wayne and Master P and “Bounce” music innovator Big Freedia.
As you head down to the “Big Easy,” here is a playlist that will get you in the mood to laissez le bon temps rouler (let the good times roll)!
When the Saints go Marching In - Louis Armstrong
Get Ready, Get Ready - D.J. Jubilee
Nolia Clap - Juvenile Wacko, Skipp
HA - Juvenile
Creole Mardi Gras - Pine Leaf Boys
Where The Melph At? - Katey Red
Bout It, Bout It - Master P
Souljias On My Feet - Soulja Slim
Mardi Gras New Orleans - Fats Domino
Real Big- Mannie Fresh
Gin in my System - Big Freedia
Drop and Give me 50 - 10th Ward Buck
Back That A$ Up - Juvenile ft. Hot Boyz
N.O. Block Party - D.J. Jubilee
Carnival Time - Al Johnson
We Came to Party - ReBirth Brass Band
Shoo Fly - Big Chief Juan Pardo
Still Fly - Big Tymers
Go D.J. - Lil Wayne
Bling Bling - B.G. ft. Hot Boyz
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.
This story was originally published February 20, 2023 at 3:06 PM.