Mardi Gras might be over, but those beads, streamers, and glitter? Still everywhere. And if you’re feeling that post-party haze (yes, we mean the lingering hangovers, empty po’boy wrappers, and questionable text conversations), it’s time for a New Orleans-style Post-Mardi Gras detox—a little mix of repentance, indulgence, and fabulous self-care.
Whether you’re curing your soul (or just your skin), here’s how to take a cultural, culinary, and queer-positive detox through NOLA.
Step 1: A Little Sanctuary (With a Side of Sass)
Swap sparkly beads for some spiritual grounding (don’t worry—no judgment here). The Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, known for its LGBTQ+ affirming vibes, is a lovely place to give your wild Mardi Gras spirit a quick “I see you, now behave.” Services are typically held on Sundays—because, honestly, no one partying at Mardi Gras is making it to church on Ash Wednesday morning.
Bonus points? You’re welcome to come as you are—rainbow sash and all. Just don’t show up mid-rosary with a hurricane cocktail in hand. Save that for later.
Step 2: Fried Food Therapy
Because what says “detox” better than greasy, golden perfection? Skip the guilt clocking your fried food intake—it’s Lent, and meat’s a no-go, so seafood-po’boys become the MVP of repentance.
Parkway Tavern, already NOLA-famous, is a crowd-pleaser. Why? Beyoncé ate here. And if it’s good enough for Queen Bey, it’s good enough for you. Grab a fried shrimp po’boy, “dress it” in lettuce, tomato, and mayo, and savor every crispy bite. New Orleans knows how to make sin taste heavenly.
Step 3: Scrubbing the Glitter (Literally)
You can’t truly detox without a well-deserved spa session, and NOLA does self-care with a flair. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or decadent body scrub at Serenity in the Marigny, a boutique spa where relaxation meets “glow up.”
Bonus tip? Don’t just think about washing off makeup from last weekend. Dig deep into those Mardi Gras sins and scrub them away too. Serenity’s services are worth every penny—even your glitter-soaked soul will thank you.
Step 4: Queer Culture Meets Culinary Heaven
Now let’s pivot to NOLA’s unbeatable food scene for a side of LGBTQ+ flavor. Explore Mr. B’s Bistro in the heart of the French Quarter. Their BBQ shrimp? Game-changing. Pair it with a jazz brunch at Court of Two Sisters, nestled in a stunning courtyard shaded by lush trees. It’s a symphony of history, Creole cuisine, and saxophones.
Additional Jazz-Worthy Stops for Your Fabulous Lent
Still feeling extra? Swing by the Garden District on a St. Charles Streetcar ride. It’s the LGBTQ+ ally to your Instagram story—a perfect backdrop of colonial mansions while you sip on your iced grande latte.
Or, if you’re in for something historic and bold (because, duh), visit Treme, America’s oldest Black neighborhood. Cultural landmarks like the Louis Armstrong Park will leave both your mind and heart buzzing with stories of resilience and pride.
Step 5: A Pause at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World
The glitter doesn’t have to disappear just yet. At Mardi Gras World, explore the wild artistry that powers NOLA’s most iconic parade floats. Because if you’re gonna detox in style, you might as well re-spark your creative fire, too.
You Do You, New Orleans Style
You don’t need to feel guilty post-Mardi Gras. Repent or don’t—just own your fabulousness. Whether you’re praying in a pew or devouring a po’boy dressed in more layers than your last date, New Orleans has something for everyone. Post-Mardi Gras detox? Sure. Or maybe we’ll call it the “fabulous restart.”
Remember to honor the culture, explore the cuisine, and always leave this city with a sprinkle of glitter.
Laissez les bons temps rouler—and Happy Lent!