Mardi Gras 2021 Cancelled Due to COVID
Mardi Gras and the weekend leading up to it will look quite different in New Orleans this year amid the lingering coronavirus pandemic.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced new restrictions starting next Friday, Feb. 12, and lasting through the Mardi Gras holiday on Feb. 16 as part of a citywide plan to crack down on crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The biggest new restriction? The closing of all bars in the city. Also included were guidelines on where people can and cannot gather during the time the rules are in effect.
All New Orleans bars closed for Mardi Gras, access restricted to major streets under new rules
- CITYWIDE: All bars will be closed for indoor and outdoor service; the sale of to-go drinks is not allowed.
- FRENCH QUARTER: The sale of packaged liquor will be prohibited.
- BOURBON STREET*: Bourbon Street will be closed at night from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. to both vehicles and pedestrians. Loitering is not allowed.
- FRENCHMEN STREET*: Frenchmen Street will be closed at night from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. to both vehicles and pedestrians. Loitering is not allowed.
- DECATUR STREET*: Decatur Street will be closed at night from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. to both vehicles and pedestrian with no loitering allowed.
- CLAIBORNE CORRIDOR: The Claiborne Underpass will be fenced off from St. Louis Street to St. Bernard Avenue and loitering is not allowed. Large gatherings are banned including things that encourage people to congregate, like street performances.
- OTHER: NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said there will be an increased police presence at the above locations, along with Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue.
