The Carnival season begins on Epiphany, which is January 6. Parades take place throughout the days and weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, which is always on a Tuesday. It's a great day to experience the festivities as well as the weekend before, when two exciting parades take place, Bacchus and Endymion. The day before Mardi Gras is Lundi Gras - on Monday of course - and 2 parades, Zulu Lundi Gras and Orpheus, take place.