It's been an incredible year at Royal Sonesta New Orleans, and the renowned, award-winning hotel is gearing up for the Big Easy's Tricentennial year and another incredible carnival season.
Every year, people from across the globe descend upon New Orleans to experience the greatest free show on Earth-Mardi Gras.
Known as Fat Tuesday, the Crescent City's beloved carnival traditions date all the way back to medieval Europe, evolving into its current style of a multi-week celebration culminating the day before Ash Wednesday.
Many traditions of this celebration-over-the-top outfits, masks, custom-built ladders for parade watching, coveted beads and other signature "throws" from popular krewes-make New Orleans ground zero for Mardi Gras. Among those traditions remains Royal Sonesta New Orleans' annual Greasing of the Poles event.
In its 48th year, Greasing of the Poles has solidified its place in the Big Easy's history as a landmark experience. It is considered by many to be the French Quarter's official Mardi Gras weekend kickoff, held each year on the Friday preceding Fat Tuesday.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans originated this carnival ritual of greasing the building's support poles as a practical means to deter overzealous revelers from sneaking up to the hotel's coveted balcony space.
Nearly five decades later, the practice has evolved into a star-studded and music-filled event, even spawning its own international fan club from Switzerland that participates each year, as well as many local and regional celebs.
With the added celebration of New Orleans' 300th anniversary and the completion of Bourbon Street's extensive improvements, Greasing of the Poles will be bigger and better than ever. Held on Friday, February 9th, at the hotel's main entrance, the event is truly an "only in New Orleans" experience you have to see for yourself.
King's Day-also known as Twelfth Night or the Epiphany-happens just days after guests ring in the New Year at The Jazz Playhouse. As the official commencement of carnival season, the hotel is celebrating with the reveal of Executive Pastry Chef Jackie Lopez's coveted king cakes.
Visitors of PJ's Coffee Caf within the hotel's main lobby can purchase a traditional king cake or a specialty Bourbon Caramel Apple with Dulce Glaze cake starting January 6th.
There's no better time to book your stay than with Royal Sonesta New Orleans' winter sale. Guests are invited to experience newly renovated rooms and save 20-percent on the hotel's best available rates through March 31st. To take advantage of these savings, book by February 8th and use the promotional code 2018WS.
In the heart of the French Quarter and all the fun-and in close proximity to the most spectacular parades in the city-revelers from all walks of life come together at Royal Sonesta New Orleans.
For everything there is to know about the upcoming 162nd carnival season-from room rates and availability to Mardi Gras history and fun facts-visit the hotel's online hub. As the VIP box seat to Bourbon Street, let us make your Mardi Gras experience even more unique and unforgettable at Royal Sonesta New Orleans.
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