How to Enjoy Mardi Gras . . . Like a Native!
Mask
Mask on Carnival day to fully participate in the spirit of Mardi Gras. Keep the costume simple, you should be able to see, hear, and move easily. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes to all parades since most parade goers usually do a lot of walking and standing.
Wear Beads
Wear beads - they're a sure gauge of your Mardi Gras spirit! Wearing expensive jewelry is passe and may target you as a potential crime victim.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Eat, drink and be merry, but pay for it in cash. Leave your wallets, purses, checkbooks, and extra credit cards at home. Bring your Vanderbilt ID, your driver's license and a reasonable amount of cash. Don't flash large amounts of money or other tempting targets.
Toast With Plastic or Paper Go-Cups
Toast with plastic or paper go-cups, New Orleans' answer to illegal metal and glass beverage containers. Remember, drinking too much of anything forces you to search for scarce bathroom facilities.
After The Last Trinket
After the last trinket is caught on Canal Street, the crowds tend to mass and move toward the narrow streets of the Quarter. To avoid this claustrophobic experience, hang back, examine and put on your "bounty." Walk into the Quarter after the parade crowds have thinned.
Don't Leave Your Friends Behind
Drinking is very much a part of Mardi Gras for many people, but drunkenness is not! The best way to experience this spectacle is while conscious, if not sober. Drunks always make easy victims. Don't allow a drunken acquaintance to wander off. For those who do drink too much, be cooperative and let your friends (not a stranger) take care of you. Don't bring someone you've just met at Mardi Gras back to your hotel room, you may be exposing yourself and others to the possibility of being a crime victim.
Go En Masse
There is fun and safety in numbers, but set up a time and place to meet in case members of your group are separated. Use the public transit to travel or walk to the parade since parking spots are scarce during the parade season. Check with Regional Transit Authority for route schedules during the parade season. The RTA Rideline number is 504-827-7802.
If You Must Take Your Car
Plan ahead to find safe parking. Do not park on parade routes. Park in well lit areas. Store personal belongings in the trunk. Lock all car doors. Leave only the ignition key with the attendant if parking in a lot.
Trust Your Instincts
If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
Check Out Help
Note where police officers or phones are located if you need help.
Get Down, Get Loose
Get out of the way of the New Orleans Police Department officers. They'll be working overtime, will be short-handed and under pressure. Be cooperative and polite to all officers! Do not make the mistake of bringing a weapon to the parades. Drugs are, of course, illegal!
For Minor First Aid
While in the French Quarter, look for EMTs in red or orange jackets. They should be circulating through the crowds. Ambulances are located by Cafe de Monde.
Don't Let Your Privates become Public!!!
It may seem like a good idea at the time, but remember that you wouldn't want everyone on the Internet know about your "privates"!
Any questions?
Call the Vanderbilt Office of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drug Prevention Program at 343-4740.
For more information:
Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Prevention Programs
Station B 1508
Nashville TN 37235
(615) 343-4740
FAX (615) 343-3702
