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Are Banks Open on Mardi Gras?

Plan ahead with this list of banks closed on Mardi Gras.
By Find a Bank
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Though primarily celebrated in Louisiana, Mardi Gras has a history going back as far as medieval Europe. In 17th century Italy it was referred to as “Boeuf Gras” — the fattened calf — and from there became popular in France, where it was then imported to Louisiana in 1699 by French settlers. In 1703, a tiny settlement known as ”Fort Louis de la Louisiane” celebrated America’s first Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, Feb. 25, this year. With all the festivities in motion, you may find yourself needing to deposit money, withdraw cash or any number of bank-related tasks. No worries: GOBankingRates has you covered with a list of banks open on Mardi Gras.

Is Mardi Gras a Bank Holiday?

The Federal Reserve does not recognize Mardi Gras as a bank holiday. Fat Tuesday may not be a federal day off, but Mardi Gras is an official state holiday in Louisiana. Expect local banks and credit unions to be closed for the day.

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There are 10 federal bank holidays when financial institutions nationwide are closed. According to federal law, if one of the following holidays falls on a Saturday, then the Friday before is considered a paid holiday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday. Here is the list of federally recognized holidays on which dates banks will be closed:

  • New Year’s Day, Jan. 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 20
  • Washington’s Birthday/Presidents Day, Feb. 17
  • Memorial Day, May 25
  • Independence Day, July 4
  • Labor Day, Sept. 7
  • Columbus Day, Oct. 12
  • Veterans Day, Nov. 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26
  • Christmas Day, Dec. 25

Banks Open on Mardi Gras

Most national banks will follow the Federal Reserve’s national holiday schedule and stay open for Fat Tuesday. The following banks are open on Mardi Gras:

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Banks Closed on Mardi Gras

Smaller, regional Louisiana banks are likely to close on Mardi Gras to follow the state holiday schedule. Even if your financial institution isn’t on the “banks closed on Mardi Gras” list, it’s a good idea and call ahead and confirm — especially if your bank is located in the New Orleans Historic District, French Quarter or along a parade route. Here are the banks closed on Mardi Gras:

  • BancorpSouth
  • Citizens Bank and Trust
  • Fidelity Bank
  • First Bank and Trust
  • First National Bank of Louisiana
  • Gulf Coast Bank and Trust
  • Hancock Whitney (call for holiday hours)
  • Investar Bank
  • Merchants & Farmers Bank (select locations)
  • Metairie Bank
  • Pedestal Bank
  • Resource Bank
  • Sabine State Bank and Trust
  • Washington State Bank

More on Bank Holidays: Are Banks Open on July 3?

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Are the Banks Open Today?

If you’re wondering if banks are open during Mardi Gras, most banks are open today — unless you’re located in Louisiana. Mardi Gras is a state holiday, therefore regional banks may be closed for the festivities. Refer to this list of banks open on Mardi Gras, and if your bank is located in Louisiana, call ahead to confirm.

Click through to learn about 14 reasons why you shouldn’t ditch your brick-and-mortar bank just yet.

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Cynthia Bowman contributed to the reporting for this article.

About the Author

Arielle graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Medieval Studies. She lives in LA with her various animals. She began writing for GOBankingRates because she believes in the distribution of information, especially regarding one’s money.

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