The Mardi Gras Experience The in's and outs of getting the best out of the Mardi Gras season. Crowds roll in from all over the country to witness the 'greatest free show on earth,' also known as the Mardi Gras experience. For a few weeks early each year the city's residents make preparations for the coming of Mardi gras. Bakeries churn out delectable King Cakes, Krewes plan parade routes, schools prepare their marching bands and the whole city decorates its doors in wreaths, beads, mesh ribbon and any purple, green or yellow decoration they can find. This is much more than just