Universal’s Mardi Gras 2016

Welcome Party people to Florida’s biggest party of the year — Universal’s Mardi Gras at Orlando!

Yes! Universal Studios Florida hosts the biggest 2016 Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans. Its grand and colossal display of celebration with unparalleled theme park entertainment with elaborate Mardi Gras parade, heaps of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, millions of beads, delicious Cajun cuisine, and live concerts by well-renowned artists and celebrities. 

Mardi Gras Floats 2016

The 2016 parade boasts four new floats that celebrate different cultures and festivals from around the world: Venetian Carnival, Oktoberfest, 4th of July, and Rio de Janeiro Carnival. The floats are ostentatious and people standing over it, throw beads everywhere. Even the performers walking beside the floats and on stilts are handing out beads and throwing them into the crowd. It’s an amazing experience!

Mardi Gras Parade 2016

The Mardi Gras dazzling parade starts at 7:45 PM on selective nights, followed by concert at 8:30 PM. Seeing Mardi Gras Parade itself is a wonderful experience. The performers are  dressed in costume depending upon themes and  walk on stilts.  If you are planning to visit Universal during this time, make sure not to miss the parade.

Do check out this video to take a glimpse of Mardi Gras Parade? 

While I was shooting this video, I managed to catch 72 Mardi Gras beads. I felt like an accomplishment after the parade. 😀

 Mardi Gras Concerts 2016

On every Saturdays and select nights from February 6th to April 16th’ 2016, Universal’s Orlando is hosting Mardi Gras Concert with some of the amazing artists from the musical world. I attended the concert of Diana Ross on February 13th and it was amazing!

Now am waiting for March 19th when one of my favorite singer Shawn Mendes will perform. I wish that I could find place near the stage. I saw Shawn Mendes live performance during Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour Concert at Tampa, Florida. It was breathtaking when he sung ‘Stitches’ with only acoustic guitar in his hand. 

Mardi Gras Characters

Many Mardi Gras “characters” walk the streets near the Universal Music Plaza and French Quarter Courtyard handing out beads and posing for photos. They are very friendly and polite. Don’t forget to get yourself clicked with them!

It’s festivity all around. Along with the authentic food, music and concert, you’ll enjoy a rocking parade with floats and experience New Orleans Mardi Gras in Florida. Are you ready to experience the biggest party of Florida?

Do share your experience if you have been to Mardi Gras or attended any similar festival in the comments below.

Happy Mardi Gras!
Ana