You know it’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans when …

Editor’s Note: The following series “Get to Know Mardi Gras!” is a week-long series curated by Gabriela Taras as a part of the Digital Research Internship Program in partnership with ViaNolaVie. The DRI Program is a Newcomb Insitute technology initiative for undergraduate students combining technology skillsets, feminist leadership, and the digital humanities. This year Mardi Gras lands on February the 25th. So, this curation is dedicated to Mardi Gras shenanigans in New Orleans. This curation will help you become familiar with the traditions, culture, and history that have made Mardi Gras what it is today & how it shaped our city!

Check below to see pictures of the traditions we celebrate here in New Orleans originally published by Renee Peck on Feb 14, 2020! This includes the Mardi Gras themed Christmas tree that you can find in Touro hospital and a snapshots of New Orleans original King Cake coffee blend and other King Cake flavored things (even beer!). Lastly are the classic decorations that you can find walking down Tchoupitoulas or in the bars downtown like Barcadia.

Signs of the season are sprouting like plastic beads on a parade-route electrical wire. Yes, it’s Carnival time in the city, and that brings some only-in-New Orleans optics. Here’s a round-up of scenes that mean Mardi Gras is on the way.

You know it’s Mardi Gras when …. you see this on the counter at Mojo’s. #mojocoffee #freretstreet (Photo: Renee Peck)

You know it’s Mardi Gras when …. Christmas trees get recycled. As Mardi Gras trees. #tourohospital (Photo: Renee Peck)

You know it’s Mardi Gras when … king cake is just another daily brew at PJs. (Photo: Renee Peck)

You know it’s Mardi Gras when … king cake is also just another way to have your latte. #orleanscoffeeespresso (Photo: Renee Peck)

You know it’s Mardi Gras when … an entire block of houses starts looking like this. #tchoupitoulasstreet (Photo: Renee Peck)

You know it’s Mardi Gras when … Shake Shack teams up with Willa Jean for a king cake concrete. #kingcakeconcrete #willajean #shakeshack (Photo: Shake Shack)

You know it’s Mardi Gras when … Oskar Blues Brewery comes out with a Death By King Cake ale. (Photo: Renee Peck)

You know it’s Mardi Gras when … even beers choose a side, parade-wise. #urbansouthbrewery (Photo: Urban South)

You know it’s Mardi Gras when … umbrellas don’t catch rain, but reign. #barcadia (Photo: BryceEll photography, for Barcadia)