Briana McGinty

As Mardi Gras festivities sweep across the South, law enforcement and city officials are ramping up efforts to manage public safety amid rising concerns over crime, disorderly conduct, and the evolving spirit of the holiday.
Mardi Gras is a centuries-old tradition brought to the United States by French settlers, deeply woven into Southern culture. For many, the festival is a time for communities to come together, celebrate life, and mark the beginning of Lent. In cities like New Orleans, religious processions and rituals still take place alongside street parties and elaborate parades.
However, in recent years, Mardi Gras has also become synonymous with heavy drinking, reckless behavior, and an increase in crime. New Orleans experiences a notable rise in theft and violence during the celebration, with reports spiking as both tourists and locals flood popular areas like Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. Law enforcement presence increases significantly during the season, but with the large crowds, police resources are often stretched thin. Other cities with their own Mardi Gras traditions, including Mobile, Alabama, and Galveston, Texas, report similar challenges, noting rises in disorderly conduct and property damage.
In response to these concerns, city officials from New Orleans, Mobile, and Coastal Mississippi continue to emphasize public safety. Law enforcement agencies have bolstered their efforts, with more police patrols, stricter crowd control measures, and public safety campaigns aimed at curbing dangerous behavior while maintaining the festive spirit of the holiday.
“We have an uptake in officers, we have them stationed throughout the route so that we never have police officers too far away,” said Biloxi Police Officer Candace Young. “We also have officers on ATVs and bicycles to traverse crowds faster to get to areas where they’re needed.”
Despite the heightened security measures, some locals feel the holiday has shifted away from its roots. However, many still view Mardi Gras as an opportunity for cultural expression and excitement. Younger attendees, in particular, see the event as a rite of passage, eager to participate in the high energy and spectacle of the celebration.
“Every year, the police are everywhere,” said University of Southern Mississippi freshman Sophia Vitrano, a Louisiana native. “It seems like they're doing the best they can. Then again, the city feels almost lawless during Mardi Gras. Everyone is publicly drunk, high, and/or borderline naked.”
Vitrano, however, still sees the holiday as an opportunity for fun but acknowledges that some people take it too far.
“Mardi Gras is the best,” she said. “I don’t see it as a negative thing at all. It’s a big celebration where everyone can be as crazy as they want. Some people just take advantage of that.”
Despite the risks, Mardi Gras remains a beloved Southern tradition. The challenge, for many, is balancing celebration with responsibility. As more students and visitors pour into cities each year, the conversation around crime and safety becomes increasingly important to ensure Mardi Gras continues as a vibrant yet secure event.