February in New Orleans isn’t just another month—it’s Mardi Gras season. With parades, parties, and an influx of visitors, the city comes alive in a way unlike any other time of year. But for condo communities, this excitement also brings unique challenges.
From guest parking headaches to post-parade cleanup, here’s how property owners, condo boards, and residents can keep things running smoothly while still enjoying the Carnival season.
Guest & Parking Policies: Avoid the Krewe Chaos
Mardi Gras means everyone has a friend (or five) who suddenly wants a place to stay. If your condo has limited guest parking, it’s essential to communicate the rules before the first float rolls.
Tips for a Smooth Parking Situation:
- Remind residents about guest parking rules well in advance.
- Consider temporary parking passes or designated visitor spots.
- Encourage ride-sharing or public transit—no one wants to deal with a Mardi Gras towing nightmare.
Pro Tip: If your condo is near a parade route, set up a designated drop-off zone to prevent traffic congestion at your building’s entrance.
Security & Access: Who’s Coming to the Party?
Mardi Gras brings out the best of New Orleans—and sometimes the rowdiest. Keeping condo buildings secure is especially important in high-traffic areas.
- Double-check that all gate codes, key fobs, and security systems are up to date.
- Limit party sizes—a small gathering is great, but a full-scale Bourbon Street situation? Not so much.
- Encourage residents to verify unexpected visitors before allowing entry.
Did you know? Some buildings hire temporary security during Mardi Gras to manage crowds and keep common areas under control.
Balcony Safety: Leave the Bead Tossing to the Floats
Few things are more New Orleans than catching beads from a balcony, but safety should always come first. If your condo has balconies, now is a great time to remind residents about weight limits, railing safety, and responsible use.
Balcony Do’s & Don’ts:
- DO keep balcony doors locked when not in use.
- DO follow all HOA rules regarding decorations and occupancy limits.
- DON’T let too many people gather on a single balcony.
- DON’T throw heavy objects (or yourself) over the railing—seriously.
Trash & Cleanup: Glitter, Beads, and the Morning After
Let’s be honest—Mardi Gras is messy. Confetti, beads, and stray go-cups have a way of ending up everywhere. To keep your condo community looking its best:
- Place extra trash bins in common areas to prevent overflow.
- Remind residents not to dispose of beads down the drain—it’s a plumbing disaster waiting to happen.
- Schedule extra cleaning services if needed.
Fun Fact: The city collects millions of pounds of beads from storm drains every year. Let’s do our part to keep them out of condo plumbing!
Enjoy the Season—Responsibly!
At its core, Mardi Gras is about celebrating the spirit of New Orleans. With a little planning, condos can embrace the fun while keeping things safe and functional.
Final Checklist for Property Owners & Residents:
✔ Review guest & parking policies
✔ Ensure security measures are in place
✔ Send out balcony safety reminders
✔ Plan for extra trash & cleanup
✔ Laissez les bons temps rouler—responsibly!
Whether you’re hosting, parading, or simply enjoying the spectacle, these tips will help ensure a smooth and stress-free Mardi Gras season for your condo community.
Happy Mardi Gras from Certain Property Management!
