Mardi Gras Party on George Street in St. John’s, Newfoundland

Mardi Gras Pictures: Party on George Street in St. John's, Newfoundland (Canada).

The main purpose of choosing St. John’s, Newfoundland on this particular weekend was because of the Mardi gras party on Halloween. Everyone I talked to said it was a fantastic party on George Street that the whole city comes out for.

And come out they did, in some of the most interesting, odd, creative and politically incorrect Mardi gras costumes I’ve ever seen. Not only that, but everyone was just so genuinely excited to be dressed up and out in the night air (me, bundled up in a toque, scarf, winter jacket and hot pads with some devil ears on; them in t-shirts, short skirts, tank tops and big smiles).

Mardi Gras on George Street, St. John’s
By the time we got to George Street at about 11:30pm, the party was well underway with line-ups at all the entrances. The tiny two block, pub-packed street had revellers out in the street showing off their Mardi gras clothing, as well as packed into every bar along the blocks. (George St. is where it’s thought the highest concentration of bars per square foot in North America is located, by the way.)

Mardi Gras Pictures: Karaoke Bar on George Street in St. John's, Newfoundland (Canada).

Newfies aren’t shy with their beer, either, so it flowed freely, generously and sloppily. A new theme greeted us at every bar we walked into, from straight up top 40s clubs and rock bars to karaoke bars and traditional Irish pubs. Live music filtered in and out and mixed chaotically in the streets.

I wish I could have been up for more, but I was pretty sick and had been all weekend. I was just trying to stay awake and not spread germs, while getting some photos and taking in enough of the scene to be able to write about it.

I’m proud to say we didn’t get back to the hotel until about 2:45 am. Take that, sickness!

The Murrary Premises Hotel's Jacuzzi in downtown St. John's, Newfoundland (Canada).

What I Liked:

• We chose to stay at the Murray Premises Hotel because of its close proximity to George Street and downtown St. John’s. Good choice. We parked the car for all city stuff and just walked everywhere, which was great. The renovated 1846 building was gorgeous inside with remains of the old building at every turn.
• If you like baths, upgrade to the executive rooms, as there’s an enormous Jacuzzi tub in the living room that’s absolutely divine. Otherwise, the shower stalls are at least double the regular sized ones. The gas fireplace and king bed are ultra fluffy and comfortable.