How Louisiana at Large Does Mardi Gras
During Carnival season, traditional celebrations can be found in every corner of the state.
Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans are as diverse as the state itself, with each region celebrating its roots, which include Native American, French, Spanish, African-American, Cajun and Creole.
To join the fun this Carnival season, simply find a spot that speaks to you — or more than one — and plan your trip. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
North Louisiana
North Louisiana’s Mardi Gras celebrations emphasize family-friendly fun. Parades can attract more than 400,000 visitors, and krewes honor the area’s diverse heritage.
Monroe
Bring the whole family to Monroe for a kids' parade, pets' parade or a traditional Mardi Gras parade with marching bands and colorful floats.
Shreveport
Take a trip to Shreveport for vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, including second-line bands and floats traveling through the streets. The annual Red River Mardi Gras Bash offers VIP treatment and behind-the-scenes access to all the excitement, including guided tours of the parade route and bakeries churning out king cakes.
Central Louisiana
In Central Louisiana, the Mardi Gras festivities are opulent, with joyous music and themed floats, elaborate costumes and generous throws.
Alexandria
Alexandria’s Mardi Gras celebrations first took place in 1994. They’ve since become beloved annual traditions, from the Classic Cars & Cheerleaders Parade to the Children’s Parade, with kid-friendly music and decorations.
Natchitoches
Mardi Gras in Louisiana’s oldest city ranges from rustic to rowdy — and always full of revelry. In Natchitoches, the Krewe of Wag-uns Children & Pet Parade features decorated wagons and costumed kids and pets. The Krewe of Dionysos takes to the streets at night with elaborate floats, bright lights and lots of Carnival spirit.
Riders gather ingredients for a communal gumbo.
Even our pets participate in Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras is fully family-friendly.
See Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans.
South Louisiana
For quintessential Cajun encounters (like Courir de Mardi Gras, where participants dress in handmade costumes and gather ingredients for a communal gumbo), head to Southwest Louisiana, where zydeco music and fais-do-do dance parties are also on display.
For the more widely recognized urban Mardi Gras celebrations and parades, visit Southeast Louisiana — but no matter which city in South Louisiana you visit, you're bound for a good time.
Baton Rouge
The capital city's Spanish Town Parade is a vibrant staple of the Carnival season. Since 1981, Spanish Town residents have kidnapped flamingo yard decorations and relocated them to their own yards — a colorful kickoff to a festive season! Other parades wind through downtown, featuring beautifully designed floats, marching bands, costumed pets and even a lawnmower-pushing krewe.
Houma
In Houma, Mardi Gras starts with the Krewe of Hercules and runs until the Krewe of Kajuns shuts down the dance floor. There are more than a dozen parades offering colorfully themed floats, marching bands and great throws.
Lafayette
Lafayette celebrates Mardi Gras with the traditional Courir de Mardi Gras, when costumed men and women travel the countryside, begging for gumbo ingredients. The race ends with a communal gumbo feast and live music. Other celebrations include parades, balls and La Festival de Mardi Gras.
Lake Charles
On the far west end of the state, you'll find Lake Charles enjoying the Carnival season. This family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration includes more than 60 krewes participating in their Krewe of Krewes Parade. In addition, be sure to check out how local restaurants and bakeries embrace the season — with plenty of king cake!
The Northshore
Mardi Gras celebrations on The Northshore are filled with family-friendly fun. In Covington, the Mystic Krewe of Olympia puts on a parade with marching bands, floats and lightning-themed throws. Slidell features veteran krewes featuring local marching groups and high school marching bands, and in Mandeville, the Krewe of Eve, the town’s first female krewe, lights up the night with an 800-rider parade.
No matter what your favorite part of Carnival is, there's something for everyone across Louisiana. Come experience the Mardi Gras you never knew existed — authentic, diverse and just pure fun!
