From Friday all the way through Tuesday, Cajun Field becomes an excellent place to catch the parades like the Queen Evangeline Parade and the Lafayette Mardi Gras Parade. Though it also provides a solid place to meet, greet, and enjoy other activities along the route. Notable acts such as Wayne Toups and Corey Ledet have entertained in past years. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, was originally a French Catholic celebration which has a long-lasting history in the formerly French-owned territory of Louisiana. The first Mardi Gras parade in the United States was believed to be in 1837 in New Orleans, but the tradition quickly spread throughout the southern regions of the state and beyond. St. Louis holds the No. 1 spot as the best place to celebrate Mardi Gras outside New Orleans, even though it has only been doing so since 1980. St. Louis has a strong French heritage, having been Of the hundreds of Louisiana festivals, none tops Mardi Gras. Spectacular parades, unbelievable costumes, music, dancing, food, drink — take your pick of places to indulge and enjoy. The biggest celebration occurs in New Orleans, but nearly every community in the state has its own version of the annual party. Wherever you go, you can find the The origins of Mardi Gras in the United States can be traced back to medieval celebrations in Venice and Rome, as well as to the French House of the Bourbons, which held lavish celebrations. Those spread to the colonies and soon to southern settlements, including the Fort Louis de la Mobile, which was founded in 1703 and later became the city Youngsville Mardi Gras Parade. March 1 at 11 a.m. Youngsville. Queen Evangeline’s Parade. March 3 at 6 p.m. Downtown Lafayette to Cajun Field. King Gabriel’s Parade. March 4 at 10 a.m. Downtown Lafayette to Cajun Field. Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade. March 4 at 1 p.m. Downtown Lafayette to Cajun Field. Lafourche Parish parades (Flickr user Dave Herholz). Outside of New Orleans, St. Louis claims to host the United State's largest Mardi Gras party. Founded by the French some 250 years ago, the Soulard district—a Since 1934, the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association has organized the annual Mardi Gras celebrations in southern Louisiana, but the first recorded celebration occurred in 1869 On Mardi Gras Children’s Day (February 19), kids can make their own Mardi Gras souvenirs, learn about Carnival history, and attend a parade that includes children of Mardi Gras krewe members Lake Charles also hosts the Krewe of Barkus parade that encourages pets, their owners and all who want to participate to dress in their Mardi Gras best. Jeanerette. The Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade is a unique experience the whole family will love. This rural Mardi Gras parade in the heart of Cajun Country takes place at the corner of Highway The Mardi Gras tradition of Bogalusa is relatively new, dating back to 1981. It's now one of the largest parades held by a town of its size. Today, the parade features nearly 20 marching bands, 38 floats, and more than 100 motorcyclists. La Riviére Children’s Mardi Gras Parade & Chicken Chase. Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. Krotz Springs. Lebeau Mardi Gras Festival & Parade. Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. Lebeau. Sunset Kidz Wagon Parade. Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. Sunset. Eunice Lil’ Mardi Gras. March 1 at 3 p.m. Eunice. Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Parade. March 4 at 11 a.m. Opelousas. Courir de Mardi Or you can always stay at New Orleans RV Resort & Marina.Limited sites are still available during Mardi Gras season. Plus, the BC Boys Band will take to the stage at The Lighthouse Bar & Grill on February 13th, between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Come join in the fun and try their Mardi Gras Specials, including the King Cake Daiquiri, the Mardi Gras Mix-up and King Cake. Discover the best places in Louisiana to enjoy delicious king cakes during Mardi Gras. These 17 Restaurants Serve The Best King Cake In Louisiana Published Jan 30, 2016 Grandstands. If you want to be as close to the action as possible but don’t want to stand in crowds, then booking into one of the grandstands is an excellent idea.. When it comes to figuring out where to watch the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, you won’t be surprised to learn that the grandstands are highly popular. Legend has it, if you eat or sell king cake before January 6, it will rain on Mardi Gras day and the Saints will lose. Southerners know not to mess with long-standing superstitions, which is why we've gathered the best king cakes in New Orleans that are certainly worth patiently waiting to enjoy. Wear your best Mardi Gras outfit and be prepared to have a blast on the best 5K run in the Twin Cities! Costume prizes include: Best Child Costume, Best Female Costume, Best Male Costume, and Best Group Costume. Mardi Gras with Kids Day 1: French Quarter and New Orleans Riverfront. Start your Mardi Gras family trip with some of the most iconic and kid-friendly New Orleans and Mardi Gras attractions. The French Quarter will see some hard-core partying at night, but will be almost empty if you go early in the day. Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, is the oldest Carnival celebration in the U.S.—even older than the one in New Orleans. The first known Mardi Gras celebration in the United States took place in this coastal Alabama town in 1703, and the town prides itself on being the birthplace of the American Mardi Gras tradition. Mardi Gras is always a spectacular event in New Orleans, but Mardi Gras 2025 is set to be the most exciting one yet. With brand-new parade themes, more immersive experiences, and a renewed spirit in the city, this year’s celebration will be one for the history books. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Mardi Gras reveler, here’s everything you need to know to make the most
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