Mardi Gras 2025: Live Parade Updates & Route Changes for Fat Tuesday
NEW ORLEANS — Happy Mardi Gras! Parades are rolling this Fat Tuesday. Many parades are on a modified parade route to avoid anticipated severe weather.
Stay here for all the live updates from Mardi Gras 2025.
Fat Tuesday, March 4
UPDATE 8:03 a.m.
Mayor Latoya Cantrell enjoys her last Mardi Gras in office as mayor. “We are a resilient community.”
UPDATE 6:30 a.m.
ZULU Parade is rolling!
UPDATE 6:00 a.m.
Rex will proceed down St. Charles Avenue to Calliope Street, where the parade will conclude. At this point, motorcycles will escort Rex out of the route by traveling against traffic to return them to their den.
Parade End Location: St. Charles Avenue & Calliope Street
Tuesday Morning
Thousands of revelers adorned in beads and outlandish costumes will fill the streets of New Orleans as the city celebrates Mardi Gras despite anticipated severe storms.
The city’s two biggest parades — hosted by social clubs Krewe of Zulu and Krewe of Rex — are set to go on with earlier start times, shorter routes and no marching bands, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters Monday. The parades will be required to wrap up by 11:30 a.m. local time to avoid diminishing weather.
“Bottom line, they gonna still get the Zulu parade and all the excitement, it’s just a little earlier,” said Darren Mire, a Krewe of Zulu spokesperson. “We have to err on the side of caution, we have to protect the citizens of New Orleans and the visitors, and this was the best decision possible to get things done.”
Thunderstorms and winds up to 60 mph (100 kph) are expected throughout Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. In neighboring Jefferson Parish, officials canceled parades.
Kirkpatrick warned parade-goers to not bring umbrellas, tents or “anything that could fly in the wind and cause mayhem.” Worsening weather Tuesday morning could still be a condition for calling off the city’s parades at the last minute, she added.
“I will cancel the parades at that point, no matter what time that is,” Kirkpatrick said. “I hold that trump card in which I will not hesitate to cancel — I won’t do it lightly, but I will do it.”
Two other parades which had been scheduled to roll through the city later on Tuesday with nearly 200 truck floats have been postponed to Sunday, Kirkpatrick said.
Other cities along the Gulf Coast, such as Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, hold their own Mardi Gras Day parades.
The day kicked off with the North Side Skull and Bone Gang, a drum-playing group which for more than 200 years has gathered before sunrise to awake neighbors in the city’s historic Treme neighborhood.
Just outside New Orleans in neighboring Jefferson Parish, officials canceled planned Mardi Gras Day parades due to anticipated high winds and thunderstorms.
“This is disappointing, but our top priority is ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community, and we must always prioritize safety above all else,” Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said in a statement.
Mardi Gras floats “could become unstable” and heavy winds could “blow down trees and power lines,” the National Weather Service warned, adding gusts of up to 60 mph (97 kph) were expected Tuesday afternoon.
Enjoying a parade during Mardi Gras can be a marathon. The City of New Orleans has placed public outdoor toilets along the parade route and on convenient street corners.
Here is a list and interactive map of where to go when you’ve “got to go.”
We have two big weather issues for Mardi Gras Day: (1) high winds and (2) a line of strong/severe thunderstorms. Winds will really pick up by midday on Mardi Gras and continue through the evening ahead of a strong frontal system. Expect sustained south/southeast winds of 20-35 mph with frequent gusts of 40-50 mph.
Watch a continuous live shot of Canal Street in Downtown New Orleans
Zulu parade rolls through New Orleans.
Download the NEW 2025 WWL-TV Mardi Gras parade tracker app
WWL-TV presents the 2025 Mardi Gras Parade Tracker. We are New Orleans’ premier Mardi Gras parade tracking service. We cover more parades in more areas of the city than any other app available on the market.
Here’s where to download the WWL-TV parade tracker for your phone:
[Click here to download for IOS]
[Click here to download for Android]
How do we do it? The short answer is brute force. We deploy an army of dedicated, warm-blooded (and sober) human beings with GPS devices to walk the entire parade route of every parade we track. WWL physically tracks all of the biggest parades during Mardi Gras starting with Joan of Arc and ending with Rex on Mardi Gras day. Whether you are Uptown or in the French Quarter, in Metairie or on the West Bank, Chalmette, Houma, Thibodaux, or Covington, you can count on us to provide the exact location of the parade you want to see.
Our App includes parade schedules, routes, and real-time GPS location.
Click here to report a typo.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
Public Restrooms Map
Mardi Gras Forecast
Live Vue Orleans Camera (Canal Street)
Zulu Parade Videos
Parade Tracker App
It’s officially Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and as parade-goers wake up bright and early for parades, the North Side Skull and Bone Gang took to the streets in Treme.
Masked men dressed as skeletons danced and sang in the streets, waking up revelers who are making their way to the parade routes.
Live Mardi Gras coverage | New Orleans parade changes | Jefferson Parish cancels parades on Tuesday | Houma announces parade changes | Download the WDSU Parade Tracker app | Parade schedule.
The Afro-Créole/African tradition dates back to 1819, paying homage to all of those who have passed on to the ancestral realm, while bringing social warnings about things that are detrimental to communities.
Unlike most revelers during Mardi Gras, frivolity is not their thing; instead, they aim to remind New Orleanians of their mortality.
The Northside Skull and Bone Gang began the day at 1924 Bayou Road., the oldest road in the city. The procession ended at Lil Peoples, 1226 Barracks.
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In our recent surveys of over 10,000 users on our tester panel, an overwhelming majority (over 75%!) said they sleep on their side. Still, not every bed out there is designed for side sleeping, so you’ll want to find the best mattress for your body and sleep style. Remember: For long-term comfort, maintaining a neutral spinal alignment is key — your shoulders should sink into the bed ever so slightly and there should be ample pressure relief around the hips.
What’s the best mattress for most side sleepers? After surveying 10,000 mattress owners and working with consumer testers to evaluate over 200 mattresses, we found that Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Cloud Mattress came out on top. The bed contours beautifully to your body to help maintain spinal alignment with medium firmness, according to real users.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we’ve been evaluating products for over a century, including mattresses for every kind of user, from the best cooling mattresses to the best mattresses for back pain. Our analysts are constantly testing both tried-and-true classics and new innovative launches to find the best available. Each year, we work with consumer testers to evaluate hundreds of mattresses in their homes and routinely survey our tester panel for feedback on mattresses they already own. Read on to learn more about each of these beds, with prices listed for Queen sizes.
There’s nothing quite like a Tempur-Pedic mattress. The foam is designed to adapt precisely to your body for tailored support and relief. It also cradles your hips and shoulders, helping promote neutral spinal alignment. And while it certainly comes at a higher price, this option is shipped straight to your door for a lower cost than the brand’s other models with the same proprietary foam.
Tester notes: Several of our panelists described the unique feel as “cloud-like” and one even compared it to “sinking into a warm hug.” Others highlighted its impact on their sleep quality, with some sharing that they couldn’t feel their partners move or get up at all while lying on the bed.
Tempur-Pedic notes that the bed may feel firm when you first lie down, but our testers confirmed that it quickly molds to properly contour your body for personalized support. One tester commented, “I feel like my entire body is supported in a very gentle way.”
Who it’s best for: Side sleepers in search of precise pressure relief, couples who need motion isolation and those who want Tempur-Pedic’s memory foam at a more affordable price point.
Who should avoid it: Those who prefer a firmer surface over the sinking-in feel of memory foam or those who need a taller bed.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud
Pros
Cons
This pick proves you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg for comfort. It’s even outperformed pricier models more than twice the cost. Though it has an overall medium firmness rating, its layers of foam at the top make it feel plush, so it conforms to your pressure points as you lie on your side for cradling comfort.
Tester notes: This mattress ships to you in a box within days, and testers appreciated being able to set it up at their leisure. Several users praised its supportive and pressure-relieving feel with comments like, “I like that it forms to your body,” and “I love that it is comfortable and doesn’t sag in the middle when I sleep on it.”
One panelist even compared it to a luxe hotel bed. The main complaint testers had was that the edges sunk down more than they expected.
Who it’s best for: Price-conscious shoppers hoping to spend under $500 without sacrificing comfort. In our tests, this bed was favored by younger adults in their 20s.
Who should avoid it: Older users or those with limited mobility may find the edge support and DIY setup unideal.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Allswell Luxe Hybrid
Pros
Cons
If you’re set on a classic mattress, Saatva makes one of the best innerspring mattresses you’ll find. This model is the brand’s most popular bed and comes in three firmness levels. The Plush Soft option is ideal for side sleepers because it uses softer foams for more flexibility to cradle your body. Our panelists and testers found it ran a bit firm, but many welcomed the supportive feel. It comes with free delivery, setup and old mattress removal, plus a 365-night trial so you can sleep on the mattress at home to make sure you love it. (If you don’t like it, there’s a $99 return pick-up fee.)
Tester notes: Our survey panelists gave Saatva mattresses top scores, especially for comfort and sleep quality. One consumer tester noted, “It offers a mixture of both support and comfort. The mattress has maintained its shape after one year with no indents.”
Another user told us, “I like that it’s soft and supportive. Other mattresses cause me back pain, but this one does not.” Plus, many have highlighted its excellent edge support.
Who it’s best for: Those in search of the breathability and support of a traditional innerspring mattress (plus free in-home setup) or those who prefer a solid feel.
Who should avoid it: Users who prefer the cradling feel of memory foam; this bed may feel too firm for their liking.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Saatva Classic Mattress
Pros
Cons
If you rely on Amazon for fast and free shipping, this all-foam bed-in-a-box is inexpensive and arrives within days. It has an overall medium-firm rating (i.e., slightly firmer than medium), so it’s also an ideal choice if you sleep on your side yet don’t want an overly plush feel.
Tester notes: Users noted that it’s easy to set up and comfortable to sleep on, plus they said the brand’s customer service is friendly and helpful. A few side sleepers said they appreciated its all-foam design. “I don’t feel the springs of a traditional mattress when I sleep on my side,” said one owner.
Another user who’s owned the mattress for over five years said, “My Tuft & Needle mattress is so much more comfortable than any mattress I’ve ever had in the past. My husband and I both experience much less back pain.” The one callout from testers is the lack of edge support.
Who it’s best for: Shoppers who need a mattress sooner rather than later and side sleepers who prefer all-foam mattresses with a little more support.
Who should avoid it: Those who prefer cushiony memory foam or who need extra edge support.
RELATED: The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Pros
Cons
For proper neutral spinal alignment, softer mattresses are often recommended for side sleepers to avoid putting any additional stress on your shoulders, hips or knees. This pick from Puffy combines foam and coils to provide a comfortable, plush feel that’s supportive without any sinking or sagging, according to our testers.
Puffy has updated this mattress a few times in recent years. The main highlight of the newest iteration is that there’s improved support, particularly around the edges.
Testing notes: Many users said that the hybrid model delivered both cloud-like comfort and support, highlighting how the cushioning foam conformed to their bodies without sinking in or leaving indents. One panelist told us, “I don’t wake with any soreness with the Puffy, yet I feel supported.”
Our testers agreed, and one said, “It’s not too hard and not too soft,” while another noted, “I am able to sleep more deeply on it.” The main caveat is that, despite the brand’s cooling technology, some users commented that they still found themselves overheating at night.
Who it’s best for: Side sleepers and back pain sufferers who want a cushy, pressure-relieving mattress.
Who should avoid it: Side sleepers who prefer a little extra firmness and hot sleepers looking for a cool mattress.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Puffy’s Luxe Hybrid
Pros
Cons
Doctors often recommend mattresses with a medium level of firmness made with pressure-relieving material for a balance of cradling comfort and support for neutral spinal alignment. This pick from Nolah checks off all the boxes, and our panelists and testers reported that it eased their discomfort, helping alleviate both lower back and hip pain.
Tester notes: Those with shoulder, hip and back pain and sciatica shared that Nolah’s responsive foam truly makes a difference. One panelist told us this mattress “has been significantly helpful in relieving back pain for my husband, who has scoliosis” and noted that it “offers back support while still cradling pressure points.” Others who have owned the bed for over four years highlighted how well it’s held up.
A few shared that the mattress took some time to adjust to. One tester said, “Although I was experiencing far less back, shoulder and neck pain from this mattress, it still took a few days for me to get used to.” Note that the 10-inch depth may be a bit low for those with trouble getting in and out of bed, but Nolah offers taller models with the same foam.
Who it’s best for: Side sleepers with back and hip pain who need pressure relief and alignment.
Who should avoid it: Those who prefer a taller mattress, especially for getting in and out of bed or want a truly plush feel.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Nolah Original 10”
Pros
Cons
Hybrid mattresses are known for combining cushiony foam with coils for a balance of comfort and support, and this one from Bear is one of the most comfortable beds we’ve ever tested. It’s designed with zonal support, meaning it provides precise cushioning around targeted areas like the hips and back to promote spinal alignment.
Tester notes: The mattress’s ergonomic design truly pays off: It’s earned top scores across the board from our testers who said it’s pressure-relieving yet notably supportive. One commented, “It feels like my entire body is being supported, regardless of my position.” Another even called it the “most comfortable mattress” she has ever slept on.
And while it’s a newer release, it has impressed our experts and testers alike who’ve described it as “nothing short of amazing.” Still, Bear makes some claims about using natural minerals to promote recovery that we weren’t able to verify in our evaluation.
Who it’s best for: Those suffering from back pain and anyone who has struggled to find a truly comfortable mattress. The plush iteration is ideal for many true side sleepers while combination sleepers will appreciate the medium firmness.
Who should avoid it: Those who prefer an all-foam mattress (no springs) or a traditional innerspring; it’s a classic hybrid.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Bear Elite Hybrid
Pros
Cons
For a pressure-relieving mattress that doesn’t feel too plush, Purple uses a unique grid-shaped elastic that feels cushioning yet firm with excellent breathability. This means you get the pressure relief you need as a side sleeper without sacrificing support or worrying that you’ll easily overheat at night. Plus, the brand’s signature GelFlex Grid provides great motion isolation, making it a solid choice for couples.
Tester notes: Members of our panel described the bed as the perfect combination of soft and firm with one saying, “It’s ‘springy’ and conforms to my body while still being supportive.” Several described the unique material as providing a “sleeping on air” feeling and compared it to “floating.”
Reviewers even gave great scores for the motion isolation and commented on the noticeable breathability. One told us it felt “too cold” in the winter. Still, several users reported that the delivery took longer than expected.
Who it’s best for: Hot sleepers in search of a more breathable mattress, couples looking for motion isolation and anyone who wants to try something new.
Who should avoid it: Cold sleepers or anyone who prefers a tall mattress (this is our shortest pick at 9.25 inches). Those who prefer to use a mattress pad or topper also won’t feel the grid’s cooling effects or unique feel.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Purple Mattress
Pros
Cons
This mattress proves you don’t have to sacrifice performance to go green: It uses resilient, certified organic latex over coils for a bouncy feel that contours to your body without sinking in. The standard model is on the firmer side, so we recommend the medium pillow-top style (which costs extra) for side sleepers. Plus, the brand has a very generous 365-day trial period.
Tester notes: Users told us they loved sleeping on this mattress and praised the bed for keeping their body weight evenly distributed. One highlighted her experience by saying, “I like that it’s made of organic and natural materials, that it’s extremely comfortable and that it’s held up even after two years.”
With top scores across the board, it’s no surprise that the mattress has impressed with its quality materials and construction. Plus, the brand’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality without compromising on comfort or quality is commendable.
Who it’s best for: Side and stomach combination sleepers and couples alike and eco-conscious consumers who prefer organic latex to memory foam.
Who should avoid it: Anyone who prefers a softer, more cushiony feel. Latex feels more springy than cradling.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado Green Mattress
Pros
Cons
We’ve rounded up the best mattresses with top feedback from real side sleepers, but here are some other notable mattresses from our tests:
Sleep Number’s m7 Smart Bed offers precise customizability by allowing you to set each side of the bed to your desired firmness. This version stands out for its top layer of memory foam for added relief. Our testers gave it high scores for comfort, but the mattress does come with a steep price tag.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is one of the most popular mattresses online. It’s a textbook hybrid mattress, featuring contouring foam over coils, and has won over many of our side-sleeping testers. Still, the edge support left much to be desired, and its tall height (and subsequent weight) made DIY setup challenging.
Amerisleep’s A5 Mattress is another great all-foam option. It’s one of the plushiest we’ve tested, with several testers calling it “cloud-like.” Still, it’s pretty tall and heavy for a foam mattress at 14 inches, making setup a little more complicated.
Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe earned top scores from side sleepers in our recent test. They loved the cool-to-the-touch and cushiony nature. It’s a solid contender for those who sleep hot and still want that foam feel, but Purple’s breathable design performed a little bit better overall.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Textiles Lab is constantly testing both tried-and-true products and new innovations to find the best of the best. Each year, we work with hundreds of at-home consumer testers to try out select mattresses for initial and long-term feedback while leveraging recent survey data from our tester panel plus our categorical expertise and scientific backgrounds.
Our analysts review everything from the materials and construction to noteworthy features and other relevant specifications. They also research the brands, mattress certifications and whether there are consumer complaints that could affect the user experience.
From there, we match consumer testers to mattresses based on their sleep styles and collect feedback as needed. In the past year alone, we’ve tested over 150 mattresses.
We also routinely survey our panel of Good Housekeeping readers to get additional in-depth feedback on the mattresses they already own. More than 10,000 mattress owners have responded to our recent surveys with a wealth of information.
Here are some of the criteria we consider from tester and panelist feedback surveys:
✔️ Ordering and delivery: Users provide ratings and comments about the ease of ordering, how quickly the mattress arrived and whether there were any issues throughout these steps.
✔️ Setup: Whether it’s DIY or white-glove delivery, we explore how easy the process was and whether the mattress took shape quickly.
✔️ Firmness level: Oftentimes the perceived firmness doesn’t match up to the brand’s specified level. This helps us gain insight into how soft or firm it feels in real life.
✔️ Comfort: Testers weigh in on whether they liked sleeping on the mattress immediately and again later in the review period. They’re able to provide a comfort rating as well as detailed comments.
✔️ Support: Similarly, testers share their thoughts on the level of support over time.
✔️ Temperature: We ask users whether they stayed at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night so we can note whether any cooling features were observed.
✔️ Edge support: Reviewers let us know whether the bed sinks when they sit on the edges or if it holds the shape well under weight.
✔️ Sleep quality: Respondents share if the mattress had any effect on their sleep, whether they wake up sore and whether they are satisfied with the mattress overall. They also have the opportunity to compare the mattress with other models they’ve owned.
✔️ Additional feedback: Through a series of open-ended questions, testers can share any likes, dislikes and further comments about their experiences.
Memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses are ideal for side sleepers because they offer pressure relief for proper alignment, whereas innerspring mattresses can’t contour around pressure points. If you prefer the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress, make sure there’s some sort of relief for your hips and shoulders, whether it’s a pillow top or a layer of memory foam or latex near the surface. You can also add a mattress topper for a layer of pressure relief.
Side sleepers typically need a soft mattress or one with medium firmness. If it’s too firm, you’ll be putting pressure on areas like your hips and shoulders, which may cause you to wake up with pain. That being said, you don’t want the mattress to be too soft either; if you sink in too much then there won’t be enough support to maintain a neutral spine.
Besides the mattress type and firmness level, here’s what else you can think about before you buy:
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested all kinds of bedding and home products for over a century. Each year, our experts research and review hundreds of mattresses and survey our readers, organize consumer testing, and analyze countless data points.
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and has researched and evaluated hundreds of mattresses with the help of at-home testers and panelists. Prior to joining GH, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
Lexie Sachs, the Executive Director of Strategy & Operations, originally wrote this story. She has been actively researching and reporting on mattresses since online bed shopping hit the mainstream in 2014, and she has extensively reviewed dozens of models by meeting with brands, surveying real mattress owners and conducting consumer tests. Sachs has personally tried many popular mattress models, including some featured in this article.
This story was medically reviewed by Raj Dasgupta, M.D. for accuracy. Dr. Dasgupta is an ABIM Quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine. He is currently the associate program director of Internal Medicine Residency at Huntington Health in Pasadena, California and an associate professor of clinical medicine for the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine (UCR).
Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
