Mardi Gras is a festive occasion celebrated in many parts of the world, but nowhere is it more celebrated than in New Orleans. It's a time when people dress up in costumes and masks and take to the streets to celebrate.

One of the most important parts of Mardi Gras is the music, and there are many great Mardi Gras songs that capture the spirit of this holiday. Here are some of the best Mardi Gras songs that will make a great addition to any Mardi Gras playlist:

Mardi Gras Mambo by The Hawketts

This classic Mardi Gras tune was first recorded in 1954 by The Hawketts. It features a lively beat, catchy lyrics, and a memorable melody that will get everyone up and dancing.

The original lineup of the Hawketts included a young singer named Art Neville, who would go on to form the Neville Brothers, one of the most celebrated musical families in New Orleans.

Hey Pocky A-Way by The Meters

This funky tune by The Meters is a Mardi Gras party favorite. It's got a catchy beat, fun lyrics, and a cool cat vibe that will get everyone in the mood to dance.

The Meters were known for their tight, groovy rhythms, and their ability to fuse funk, R&B, and jazz influences into a distinctive New Orleans sound.

Carnival Time by Al Johnson

This classic Mardi Gras tune by Al Johnson is the definitive version of this song. It's got a catchy melody, fun lyrics, and a bohemian essence that will transport you straight to the streets of New Orleans.

Big Chief by Professor Longhair

This classic Mardi Gras song by Professor Longhair is a must-have for any Mardi Gras playlist. It's got a catchy beat, fun lyrics, and a brass band sound that will get everyone in the mood to dance.

Jock-A-Mo by James "Sugar Boy" Crawford

This Mardi Gras song is a classic that's been covered by many artists, including The Grateful Dead. It's got a catchy beat, fun lyrics, and a New Orleans sound that will get everyone in the mood to dance.

"Do Whatcha Wanna" by Rebirth Brass Band

This Mardi Gras tune by the Rebirth Brass Band is a party favorite. It's got a catchy beat, fun lyrics, and a brass band sound that will get everyone in the mood to dance.

Rebirth Brass Band is a brass band from New Orleans, Louisiana, formed in 1983 by tuba player Phil Frazier and his brother, bass drummer Keith Frazier. They have won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album in 2012. They are considered one of the most influential and innovative brass bands in New Orleans, and their music continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

Iko Iko by The Dixie Cups

This classic Mardi Gras tune by The Dixie Cups is a party favorite. It's got a catchy melody, fun lyrics, and a New Orleans sound that will get everyone in the mood to dance.

The Dixie Cups' music was a blend of pop, soul, and New Orleans rhythm and blues, and they were known for their tight harmonies and catchy melodies. They continued to record and perform throughout the 1960s and beyond, and their music remains popular today, especially during the Mardi Gras season in New Orleans. They're considered one of the most successful and influential girl groups of the 1960s, and their music continues to be celebrated by fans of pop and soul music.

Street Parade by Earl King

This Mardi Gras song by Earl King is a party favorite. It's got a catchy melody, fun lyrics, and a bluesy sound that will get everyone in the mood to dance.

Earl King was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist from New Orleans, Louisiana. He was born as Earl Silas Johnson IV in 1934 and was known for his contributions to New Orleans rhythm and blues music. His music was a blend of New Orleans blues, rhythm and blues, and soul, and he was known for his distinctive guitar playing style and his smooth, soulful voice.

Second Line by Stop, Inc.

This Mardi Gras tune by Stop, Inc. is a party favorite. It's got a catchy beat, fun lyrics, and a New Orleans sound that will get everyone in the mood to dance.

Stop Inc. was a funk and soul band from New Orleans, Louisiana, active in the 1970s. The band's name stands for "Stop In the Name of Conscience" and reflected their socially conscious and politically charged lyrics. Stop Inc. was known for their high-energy live performances and their use of brass and horn sections in their music.

Go to the Mardi Gras by Professor Longhair

This classic Mardi Gras song by Professor Longhair is a party favorite. It's got a catchy beat, fun lyrics, and a New Orleans sound that will get everyone in the mood to dance.

Professor Longhair was a singer, songwriter, and pianist from New Orleans, Louisiana. H was known for his unique piano playing style and his contributions to New Orleans rhythm and blues music. He began his musical career in the 1940s and 1950s, recording several singles and albums that showcased his distinct musical style. His legacy lives on as one of the greats of New Orleans music.

These are just a few of the best Mardi Gras songs that you can enjoy during this festive occasion. They are sure to get you in the spirit of the celebration and make you want to dance and have a good time! So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party in the Big Easy this Mardi Gras season!