Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Joining Famous Parades And Celebrations

Sure, you can always travel for a major festival or celebration, like Mardi Gras or Carnival.

But what if you could actually become part of the celebration?

Here’s how you can go about it.

One of the most famous festivals coming up is, of course, Mardi Gras. Each float is organized by a different group, or krewe, so the trick is finding one that allows open membership.

One is called Orpheus, which invites guest riders for a fee that ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. That includes your costume, a position on the float, and invitations to other events and parties …  and of course that also includes the beads.

That’s not the only Mardi Gras around.

Mobile, Alabama, also celebrates with a family-friendly festival. And if you want to ride on a float and attend the society balls, just get in touch with Krewe de Bienville.

It’s a charitable organization, so anyone can become a member to attend events and ride on a float.

And in Trinidad and Tobago there are two seasons: Carnival and preparing for Carnival. And the best part is, anyone can participate.

Just contact the National Carnival Commission and for about $600, you get a costume for the float, and unlimited food and drinks during the two-day celebration.

To find more ways to connect with local culture in your travels, visit our Cultural Immersion section.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here.