How Louisiana At Large Does Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans are as diverse as the state itself! Here, we celebrate our roots: Native American, French, Spanish, African-American, Cajun and Creole. 

Want to join the fun this Carnival season? Explore different regions, find a spot that speaks to you and book a trip. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

North Louisiana

North Louisiana offers a distinct take on Mardi Gras. From fishing and hunting game to playing cards and drinking wine, you can truly choose your own adventure here.

Monroe

Bring the whole family over to Monroe for a kid's parade, pet's parade, a Mardi Gras 5K (complete with king cake) and a traditional Mardi Gras parade with marching bands and colorful floats. Talk about something for everyone!

Shreveport

Those in east Texas or Arkansas can take a short drive to Shreveport for the festivities. One of their stand-out parades is the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux parade, which features a royal court of pets. Past parade participants have included turtles, donkeys, cats, dogs, goats, chickens and more! 

Central Louisiana

Come to central Louisiana to see a wide variety of cultures in Louisiana come together. 

Alexandria

Alexandria Mardi Gras first began in 1994. Locals celebrate with a variety of parades, including the Pineville Night of Lights Parade. The illuminated floats coming over the bridge linking the two cities are stunning. The Town of Woodworth Parade welcomes any and all entries from go-karts and wagons to horses, tractors or trikes.

South Louisiana

Experience south Louisiana's rich culture during Mardi Gras season. If you're interested in quintessential Cajun encounters (like Courir de Mardi Gras, where participants dress in special costumes and beg for communal gumbo ingredients), head to southwest Louisiana, where Zydeco music, fantastic food and fais do-do dance parties are on display, too. 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

In the capital city, Spanish Town Parade is a vibrant staple of the Carnival season. Since 1981, Spanish Town residents have kidnapped flamingo decorations and relocated it to their own yard — a vibrant kick-off to this festive season!

Houma

If king cake is your favorite part of the season, you'll find the sweet treat across the state with plenty of delectable options in Houma. No matter where you get your cake, everyone digging in will keep an eye out for the small plastic baby baked in. If you find it in your piece, you're responsible for buying the next cake — and quick! Along with your sweet treat, you'll want to hang around for the extensive schedule of colorful parades rolling through the bayou region, both in Houma and nearby Thibodaux.

Lafayette

The first recorded celebration of Lafayette Mardi Gras was on February 14, 1869, but the first citywide Mardi Gras observance wasn't until 1897. All parades end at Cajun Field, where the annual Festival de Mardi Gras takes place with carnival rides, live music and more. If you're a master costume crafter, you may want to partake in the Grand Marais Mardi Gras Association's annual ugly costume contest.

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 over 60 krewes participating in their Krewe of Krewes Parade on Fat Tuesday. In addition, be sure to check out how local restaurants and bakeries embrace the season.

Northshore

Northshore Mardi Gras celebrations are quirky, creative and high-energy. Marching bands and ornate floats take to the streets. Fancifully decorated boats ride the waves, and costumed pups walk their people.

Founded in 1965, the 300-member Krewe of Olympia is the oldest in St. Tammany. Keeping the identity of King Zeus a secret, members ride on floats, trucks and horses interspersed with marching bands from across the Northshore.  Plus, Covington boasts the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws, which features dogs in costume.

No matter what your favorite part of Carnival is or your past experience, there's something for everyone across greater Louisiana. Enjoy it like a local with great food and entertainment. Come experience the most authentic and diverse Mardi Gras you never knew existed.

Want to learn more about Mardi Gras? Explore more information here.