Krewe of Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade

The Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade is one of the most colorful, irreverent, and entertaining parades in Baton Rouge. Known for its flamboyant floats, humorous themes, and signature pink flamingo decorations, it’s a unique celebration that showcases the lively spirit of the Spanish Town neighborhood.

As a mascot, the pink flamingo is said to represent the saying "poor taste is better than no taste at all", which became somewhat of a mantra for the Spanish Town neighborhood as it grew to include more eclectic residents. The tradition of pink flamingos originates from the celebration of Spanish Town Mardi Gras. Around the beginning of the Mardi Gras season, approximately two dozen large pink flamingos made of plywood are placed in the LSU Lakes, to announce the annual parade will be taking place soon. It is a tradition to "adopt" one of these flamingos, usually by taking a boat out on the lake. There is a unique sense of pride associated in having acquired one of these special flamingos.