I did NO Mardi Gras once, I don't remember much of it.
I lived in St Louis for years and they have a big celebration that is a bit more tame, but not much.
Now I just cook up a storm. But for the last couple of years I have not had a Mardi Gras dinner, due to space problems and a bit of burn-out. I am one of those types that will not allow anyone to help or contribute to the dinner, I have to do it all. Cooking for 25 like that can be stressful. I started to not enjoy it at all.
So I just spread some beads around and go from there.