Mardi Gras is a musical holiday any which way you slice it, so if you're planning on throwing your own Mardi Gras celebration (or just getting in the mood for the season), check out some of this excellent music from New Orleans and beyond!
Classic New Orleans Mardi Gras Songs
(c) Rick Diamond / Getty Images
From "Iko Iko" to "Second Line," these classic New Orleans Mardi Gras songs are beloved in their home city and around the world, and they make up the canon of classic Mardi Gras music. They're a must on any Mardi Gras playlist.
Cajun and Zydeco Music for Mardi Gras
(c) Green Hill Productions, 2005
Southwest Louisiana has its own traditional Mardi Gras celebrations, which are quite different than those in New Orleans but equally fun. Put on your capuchon, sing "La Vieille Chanson de Mardi Gras", and pass a good time, cher!
Vintage Calypso Music for Carnival
(c) Arc Music, 2003
Calypso is an integral part of Trinidadian Carnival celebrations, and its hip-shaking rhythms and bawdy double entendres make it fun for plenty of other occasions as well. If you love to dance, make sure you have some Carnival calypsos on your playlists!
Mardi Gras Oldies
(c) Randy Wells / Getty Images
For even more fantastic New Orleans music, including classics from New Orleans legends like Professor Longhair and The Meters, you can't go wrong with this list of some of the greatest songs that the Big Easy ever produced.
Classic Brazilian Songs
(c) 101 Distribution
Carnaval/Carnival takes place all over the world, but Brazil really knows how to throw down for the holiday, so why not add some great Brazilian music to your Mardi Gras mix?
10 Essential Classic Jazz Recordings
(c) Digital Vision / Getty Images
Want to take your Mardi Gras party a bit more upscale? Perhaps some classic jazz will do the trick! With the likes of New Orleans great Louis Armstrong gracing this list, you can't really go wrong.
