Written by Ana Mañana, J-1 Exchange Student
When I first arrived in the United States for my exchange program, I had a long list of places I wanted to visit. But if there was one destination that kept popping up in every conversation, it was New Orleans—especially during Mardi Gras. So, when a group of Spanish exchange students from different universities across the country suggested a weekend getaway to experience the famous festival, I knew I couldn’t miss it. We arrived in New Orleans on Friday evening, exhausted from our flights but buzzing with excitement. The moment we stepped onto the streets of the French Quarter, I felt like I had been transported into another world. The air was thick with the scent of Creole cuisine, the sound of jazz music spilled from every bar and street corner, and colorful beads hung from trees and balconies, remnants of past celebrations. It was clear that Mardi Gras wasn’t just an event—it was a way of life in this city.
One of the biggest surprises of the trip was how many Spaniards we met. It seemed like every other person we ran into was an exchange student from Spain studying in different parts of the U.S. It was both comforting and surreal to be thousands of miles from home yet surrounded by the familiar sounds of our native language. We swapped stories about our experiences in American universities, compared regional differences, and laughed at the cultural shocks we had encountered. We quickly formed a massive group, a mix of people from Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and even smaller towns. Despite having just met, there was an unspoken bond among us. We were all here for the same reason—to make the most of our time abroad and embrace every adventure that came our way.
On our first night, we made our way to Bourbon Street, the infamous party hub of New Orleans. I had seen pictures and heard stories, but nothing could have prepared me for the chaos that awaited. The street was packed with people in costumes, waving at the balconies above as beads and trinkets rained down. Music from competing bands clashed in the air, creating a wild symphony of jazz, rock, and pop. We danced with strangers, collected handfuls of beads, and tried our first hurricane—a dangerously delicious rum cocktail that quickly became our go-to drink for the night. It was pure, unfiltered madness, but in the best possible way. Despite the crowds, there was a sense of camaraderie among everyone. It didn’t matter where you were from; everyone was there to celebrate together.
The next day, we woke up (slightly hungover) and set out to experience the legendary Mardi Gras parades. The streets were lined with families, children sitting on their parents’ shoulders, and groups of friends eagerly awaiting the elaborate floats. I was amazed at the sheer effort put into the designs—massive, colorful structures featuring everything from mythological creatures to satirical takes on pop culture. We cheered and waved as the floats passed, catching beads, coins, and even small toys thrown by the riders. It felt like being in a movie, the kind of scene you see in travel documentaries but never imagine yourself actually living. The energy was infectious, and despite our lack of sleep, we spent hours enjoying the spectacle.
Of course, no trip is complete without indulging in the local food. We tried everything—jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and beignets from the famous Café du Monde. Each dish was bursting with flavors I had never experienced before. Spicy, rich, and deeply comforting, it was clear that food was just as much a part of the city’s soul as its music and history. One of my favorite moments was sitting by the Mississippi River with a group of friends, powdered sugar from the beignets covering our hands and faces, talking about how unreal it all felt. We were in one of the most unique cities in the world, surrounded by friends old and new, experiencing a festival unlike any other. It was one of those moments where you pause and think, This is what studying abroad is all about.
As Sunday night rolled around and we prepared to head back to our respective universities, there was a collective feeling of reluctance. None of us wanted to leave. New Orleans had cast its spell on us, and Mardi Gras had exceeded every expectation. This trip reminded me why I had chosen to study abroad in the first place. It wasn’t just about academics or improving my English—it was about immersing myself in new cultures, meeting incredible people, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. And as I boarded my flight home, clutching a bag full of beads and souvenirs, I knew that Mardi Gras in New Orleans would forever be one of the highlights of my time in the U.S.