Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a time honored tradition for men and women of all ages. Floats, parades, music, food, and fun, wrapped up in a purple, green and gold holiday atmosphere, make a visit to this Louisiana town a once in a lifetime destination for party goers worldwide. Before you visit, it is important to learn the history behind Mardi Gras and to prepare for the most important part of your journey: what you will wear.

The story behind the infamous masks, shown in almost all Mardi Gras coverage, goes back centuries to a time when masquerade balls were all the rage. The lower class, and sometimes even the upper class, began wearing masks to hide their identities. Eventually the parties moved to the street and the wearing of masks continued to be a special part of the festivities, allowing even celebrities to join in the fun of the events without revealing their true identities.

Plan to wear a mask during your visit, especially if you plan to attend only on Fat Tuesday. If you want to make it yourself, decorate it with brilliant colored feathers, sequins, beads, and glitter. Make it out of plastic, plaster or leather or just wear a covering over your eyes. Be passionate about it and make people wonder who the stranger is behind the mask. If you feel unable to craft a suitable mask, purchase one from a costume shop or have one special ordered. Have fun being unknown on Bourbon Street!

Costumes are a fantastic way to blend with the crowd and they can also be purchased from costume shops, party stores or the Internet. Many dress as if they are part of the old New Orleans and are attending a fancy ball. Elaborate gowns made of velvet and dapper suits for a gentleman, complete with the white wig and cane, are both available and can cost $200 or more if purchased new. Jester and clown costumes are also prominently featured and can be fun or evil, and extremely colorful or black and white.

The French Quarter, also known as the adult section of New Orleans, tells promiscuous stories of rakish men and loose women. These stories provide interesting costumes which reveal more skin than fabric and more sequins than velvet. Women dress as sexy queens or ladies of the night and men dress as pirates or pimps.

Feather boas, high heels, beads, wigs, jester hats, and funny sunglasses are cheap, easy options to find and wear if dressing in full costume is not for you. Some people dress in a costume of their choice which may have nothing to do with Mardi Gras but are still big and bold. Think pink flamingoes and beer kegs or walking lobsters and peacocks. The important thing is to have fun during your visit and let the good times roll!