A Local’s Guide to Mardi Gras 2001:Metairie vs. New Orleans Parades start – Fri., Feb. 16 Lundi Gras – Mon., Feb. 26 Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) – Tues., Feb. 27 Best time to visit – Sat., Feb. 24, through Tues., Feb. 27 Few travelers realize that there are actually two major Mardi Gras celebrations: [...]