First Timer's Guide to Courir de Mardi Gras

Louisiana's Mardi Gras celebrations are as different as its gumbos, with each region adding its own something special. New Orleans is known for elaborate floats, blocks-long marching bands and flamboyant French Quarter parties, while Lake Charles is known for regal balls, and Shreveport, family-friendly parades.

Then there's the Courir de Mardi Gras, also known as Cajun Mardi Gras, held in Central Louisiana.

What is a Courir de Mardi Gras Celebration?

This one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration is older than the state itself. Even among lifelong Louisianians, few have joined this centuries-old party in St. Landry Parish.

The Courir de Mardi Gras festivities originated in medieval France, and its many fêtes come together in a celebration on Fat Tuesday. The traditional courir — the French word for run — is led by the capitaine, who is followed by costumed and masked participants on horseback, foot or trailer. They make their pilgrimage, singing and dancing, to collect ingredients to make a communal gumbo, the highlight being chasing and catching a chicken to include in the dish. 

Today, the Eunice Courir de Mardi Gras has more than 2,000 participants — a number that continues to increase each year.

Eunice Courir de Mardi Gras

The Fat Tuesday event starts with check-in to get the dated patches that are collectors’ items and badges of honor for longtime participants. The courir is more than 15 miles traversed alongside fellow runners, trailers and horseback riders. But with the time spent dancing through the Central Louisiana countryside and laughing with new friends, it doesn’t seem like such a trek — and a ride in one of the trailers offers a break. 

At designated stops, the capitaine releases a chicken, and roadside spectators cheer the participants on. Supporters hand out fresh, hot boudin — a delicious, rice-stuffed sausage. And after a final walk through the crowds in town, the event culminates in a well-earned bowl of gumbo.

Whether you participate or just watch, this event is a must for anyone seeking an authentic Louisiana experience. 

4 Easy Steps to Make Your Own Courir De Mardi Gras Costume

Here’s how to make your own courir costume! There are a myriad of designs and styles, but a basic example follows.

Pro Trip: Start with a pair of scrubs. If you use short-sleeved scrubs, consider layering long sleeves underneath for warmth. Louisiana weather is temperamental, so Mardi Gras Day could be warm or cold.

Step 1:

Prepare fabric scraps. Use a variety of colors and patterns — the bolder, the better. Cut fabric 8-12 inches wide (8 inches for narrower segments of the costume, 12 inches for wider segments of the costume, such as the hips). Cut 1-inch-wide strips into the fabric, leaving an uncut border along one edge to create a fringe effect. 

Pro Tip: Use pinking shears to reduce fraying.

Step 2:

Once your fabric is cut, begin sewing. Sew along the straight edge so that the fringe hangs loose.

Step 3:

To make the tall, pointed hat known as a capuchon, form a piece of posterboard into a cone. Size it to fit around the top of your head and staple it closed to secure the shape. Trim the bottom to make a uniform flat edge and hot glue elastic or ribbon into a chin strap. Hot glue any leftover fabric strips or pieces around the entirety of the hat until all of the posterboard is covered. 

Step 4:

Don’t forget your mask! You can find a variety of styles at stores throughout Eunice and Central Louisiana. Pair the ensemble with comfy walking boots, and you're ready for a celebration.