A Mardi Gras celebration will be held at District Wharf on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 6 - 8 p.m.
The event will begin with a vibrant parade filled with floats designed by local restaurants and retailers who will march to New Orlean’s style of brass band music.
Look out for performances by the Washington Nationals Presidents, Washington Redskins Cheerleaders Alumni Association and LED Hula Hooping. Spectators can watch high-flying balloons and traditional bead tossing during the parade. There will be a dance celebration on the District Pier afterwards, followed by a finale of fireworks.
Mardi Gras-themed food will be available from the restaurants and bars in the area including: Pearl Street Warehouse, Union Stage, The Watering Hole, Kirwan's Irish Pub and Taylor Gourmet. This event is free to the public.
Junior Emma Hoss, who is from Louisiana, said that the best part of Mardi Gras are the parades.
“Parades happen for about two months during the carnival season and most parades are family-friendly,” Hoss said. “The floats are insanely well-decorated and local high schools and colleges send bands, dance teams and cheerleading teams to walk in the parades and perform. It's a whole experience filled with live music and people having fun.”
Although nothing can compare to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, this celebration can offer a taste of the colorful experience.
“Mardi Gras is all about having fun with friends and family and eating a ton of good food,” Hoss said.
Get ready to celebrate Fat Tuesday with all the green, purple and gold D.C. can offer.
Where: 735 Water St. SW
Metro: Waterfront-SEU station, Green Line
