Days Until Mardi Gras
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Countdown to 2026
Days Until Mardi Gras 2026
*Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter.
Carnival Details
Summary
There are 8 days, 23 hours, and 17 minutes left until Mardi Gras 2026.
Upcoming Mardi Gras Dates
| Year | Date | Day | Days Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 17 | Tuesday | 8 days |
| 2027 | February 9 | Tuesday | 365 days |
| 2028 | February 29 | Tuesday | 750 days |
| 2029 | February 13 | Tuesday | 1100 days |
| 2030 | March 5 | Tuesday | 1485 days |
More Tools You Might Like
How Many Days Until May 1st
Free live countdown to see how many days are left until May 1st.
Go to ToolHow Many Days Until Bonfire Night
Free live countdown to see how many days are left until Bonfire Night.
Go to ToolLaissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! The Ultimate Mardi Gras Guide
The beads are flying, the jazz is playing, and the King Cake is waiting. It is the biggest party in North America, and you are invited.
If you are searching "How many days until Mardi Gras?", you likely know that this isn't just a single Tuesday—it is a season. The Carnival season is a marathon of parades, balls, and indulgence that culminates in one final explosion of joy before the solemnity of Lent begins.
Our Live Mardi Gras Countdown Tool above tracks the exact moment Fat Tuesday arrives. But beyond the timer, this guide is your backstage pass. We will explore the deep history, decoding the secret meaning of the colors, the etiquette of catching beads, and how to survive the streets of New Orleans.
When is Mardi Gras 2026? (February 17, 2026)
Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," is always exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday.
📅 The Carnival Calendar
While Fat Tuesday is the grand finale, the Carnival season officially begins on January 6th (Twelfth Night or Epiphany).
From January 6th until midnight on Fat Tuesday, it is legally and culturally acceptable to eat King Cake. The intensity of parades ramps up in the final two weeks, known as the "Deep Carnival" period.
Because Easter moves with the moon, Mardi Gras can fall anywhere between February 3 and March 9. Use our tool to never miss the date!
Not Just New Orleans: A Global History
While New Orleans is the epicenter, the roots of Mardi Gras go back to medieval Europe.
The Origins: French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans on Fat Tuesday in 1699. They named the spot "Point du Mardi Gras" and held a small celebration.
The Colors: In 1872, the King of Carnival, Rex, selected the official colors. They aren't random; they have specific meanings:
- 💜 Purple: Represents Justice.
- 💚 Green: Represents Faith.
- 💛 Gold: Represents Power.
Mobile vs. NOLA: A friendly rivalry exists. Mobile, Alabama, held the first organized Mardi Gras celebration in the US in 1703, predating New Orleans. However, New Orleans undoubtedly made it the spectacle it is today.
The Economics of the Bead Toss
Behind the masks and music lies a massive economic engine. Mardi Gras is free to attend (no tickets for street parades), but it generates billions.
$1 Billion+
Direct economic impact on the New Orleans economy annually.
25 Million
Pounds of beads are thrown from floats every single year.
500,000
King Cakes are sold during the short Carnival season.
1.4 Million
Visitors flood the streets of New Orleans for the final weekend.
Your Countdown Strategy: How to Survive
Heading to the parade route? Use our days until Mardi Gras timer to plan your trip. It is a marathon, not a sprint.
Understanding the Krewes
Parades are organized by "Krewes"—social clubs that fund the floats and throws.
- Krewe of Rex: The "King of Carnival." Their parade is one of the oldest and most traditional, rolling on Fat Tuesday morning.
- Krewe of Zulu: Famous for their highly coveted "Golden Coconut" throws. Getting a coconut is a badge of honor.
- Krewe of Muses: An all-female krewe known for satirical floats and throwing glittery, hand-decorated shoes.
- Super Krewes: Like Endymion and Bacchus, these feature massive, multi-part floats with fiber optic lighting and celebrity grand marshals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let the Good Times Roll!
Whether you are in NOLA or celebrating from home with a homemade King Cake, the spirit of Carnival is about community and joy. Use our Mardi Gras Countdown Timer to track the days until the big parade.
Bookmark this page! Our timer automatically updates for next year as soon as Ash Wednesday arrives.