Friday, February 5, 2016 -
10:00am to 11:00am
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
300 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Royal Sonesta New Orleans will host its annual “Greasing of the Poles” on Friday, Feb. 5th. The public is invited to gather at the main entrance of the newly renovated hotel at 300 Bourbon Street to view the spectacle. Now in its 46th year, “Greasing of the Poles” has earned its place in Crescent City history as a landmark experience, and is considered by many as the French Quarter’s official kickoff to Mardi Gras weekend. Royal Sonesta New Orleans originated this carnival ritual of greasing the building’s support poles as a practical means to deter over-zealous revelers from shimmying up to the coveted balcony space. Nearly five decades later, the practice has evolved into a star-studded and music-filled event, even spawning its own international fan club that hails from Switzerland to participate each year. The event is free and open to the public.