Mardi Gras 2012 takes place on February 21st...

...and WWOZ's your Carnival soundtrack with the best Mardi Gras music throughout the season

2012 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

TUESDAY, February 21st

Schedule subject to change without notice

Mardi Gras Indians

Many New Orleanians get in shape for Carnival by attending weekly Mardi Gras Indian practices held at several clubs around town. To learn more about Mardi Gras Indians, check out the Backstreet Cultural Museum and the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame.

January 6th 2012 was declared by the New Orleans City Council as Allison "Big Chief Tootie" Montana Day! 

WWOZ Mardi Gras Audio

"Mardi Gras 2012"

This episode of New Orleans All the Way Live includes Blaine Kern aka Mr. Mardi Gras, the Phunny Phorty Phellows, and the making of King Cakes.

"Big Chief"

This episode of New Orleans All the Way Live includes the 9th Ward Marching Band getting ready for Carnival, field recordings from a December 2005 Mardi Gras Indian practice and an interview with Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief Victor Harris

"The Wild Mohicans"

This Street Talk includes interviews with members of the Wild Mohicans and Cherice Harrison-Nelson, curator of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame and member of the Guardians of the Flame Mardi Gras Indian tribe.

"Mardi Gras Indians: The Wild Magnolias"

This Street Talk looks at the history of Mardi Gras Indian music, the Wild Magnolia's first recordings with Willie Tee, and insights from John Sinclair's 30 years of observing the Wild Magnolias.

King Cakes

King Cakes are an old tradition brought over from France and eaten from Epiphany through Mardi Gras, although these days King Cake is brought out  for all sorts of celebrations, including black-and-gold themed King Cakes! Gambino's Bakery, Haydel's Bakery and Randazzo's Camellia City Bakery are three of the most popular bakeries in the city, but almost every grocery or bakery has their own twist on the treat. Learn more about the history of king cakes.

Want to make your own King Cake? Check out our recipe from Louisiana Cookin' or give your hand a try at Emeril Lagasse's version.

Mardi Gras Around the World

Send in pictures and stories about Mardi Gras in your hometown to feedback@wwoz.org and help bring your own Mardi Gras experience to the universe.

The Honky Tonk Jazz Club in Dendermonde, Belgium is bringing Mardi Gras for the first time to their city. The virtual krewe, Verti Gras, is asking New Orleanians to make miniature floats across the world and show them off via photos and video. A couple of Lousiana natives started the Mystic Krewe of Nimbus in Portland, Oregon and are having their second Carnival Ball this year.

Check out Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Alabama ; Salvador da Bahia, Brazil; Trinidad; and around the world

Read More:

» See WWOZ's Mardi Gras coverage from 2011

» See WWOZ's Mardi Gras coverage from 2010 

Mardi Gras Bead Art & More

Stephan Wanger takes Mardi Gras beads to another level with the murals he creates solely from this tried and true Carnival throw. With each bead glued individually, every art piece features a slice of Louisiana at it's finest and most are auctioned off for charitable donations. Wanger prefers to use recycled Mardi Gras beads from the ARC of Greater New Orleans or St. Michael Special School.