Since Mardi Gras is celebrated in only certain places of the world, with each their own tradition, many items or “take-aways” have and will become hot commodities for collectors.

The next time you visit New Orleans to catch beads, see parades, eat king cake and take in some culture, be mindful of the unique items you encounter. There are collectors who scour Ebay for particular year or parade doubloons, a gold Zulu coconut or an ornate flashing string of beads. At any time, there are framed posters or parade krewe memorabilia that go for hundreds, if not thousands of dollars each.

It’s the little things that come together to make Mardi Gras in New Orleans one of the best free shows on Earth, so if you find yourself in the Crescent City during carnival time, think twice about stepping over that plastic souvenir cup or trading some beads. Who knows? It could pay off. And in any case, you’ll be left with a little piece of history.

If you are ever confused as to “when is Mardi Gras” or “why is Mardi Gras on a different day each year”, just keep in mind that Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday…the first day of Lent…47 days prior to Easter Sunday.

Kevin Costner thrilled the massive crowds that lined the streets of Mid-City for the Krewe of Endymion.  2008 was the first year this extremely popular parade returned to their traditional route (since Hurricane Katrina).    The pre-parade party on Orleans Avenue was a festival by itself…but then the parade started rolling at City Park & Orleans which brought tears to the eyes of everyone as this was yet another sign that New Orleans is recovering and life is back to normal.

Based on the crowds that lined St. Charles Avenue Mardi Gras Day and the traditional Mardi Gras madness in the French Quarter, the early arrival of Mardi Gras didn’t affect the spirit of Carnival that is unique to New Orleans!