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Feathers, fabulous frocks, and the fais-do-do can only mean one thing — it's Mardi Gras time in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This destination does it like no other! Mark your calendars for the Mardi Gras magic hitting the streets in Lake Charles from the Krewe of Barkus dog parade and Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade to a taste of the Each krewe is a part of a larger organization called Krewe of Krewes that formed in 1979 when the area's krewes joined together to create a parade for the community's enjoyment. Now the culmination of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras festivities, The Main Event formerly known as the Krewe of Krewes Parade was first held in 1980. How to Join a Krewe: Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Lake Charles Celebrates January 6 - March 4, 2025! Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is an assembly of celebrations and events leading up to Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras krewes are gearing up for a festive season filled with parades, gumbo cookoffs, and plenty of King Cake. Whether you’re a gearhead or just love the festive spirit of Mardi Gras, this parade is a must-see! Krewe of Krewes Parade - It’s the climactic event of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles—the 2025 Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade at 5 p.m.! Get your purple, green, and gold ready, because it’s time to be a little gaudy and immerse Monday, March 3, 2025 -- 14th annual Lundi Gras Party with the Zydeco Boss Keith Frank live at Cowboy's Night Club in Lake Charles presented by Townsquare Media with Gator 99.5, 107 Jamz, and 92.9 The Lake. Monday, March 3rd, 2025 -- Mardi Gras Royal Gala inside the Lake Charles Event Center starting at 7:00 pm. LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - From bulls parading down streets to the first Krewe of Krewes parade, Southwest Louisiana has a storied history when it comes to Mardi Gras. The earliest recorded Mardi Gras celebration in Southwest Louisiana was in 1882. However, the festivities died down soon after as The parade starts at 7 p.m. and will depart from the Lake Charles Event Center and travel down Ryan St. to Sale Rd. The celebrations will conclude with the Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe and Friday, January 24 - Community Mardi Gras Dance from 6:00 pm to 8:30 PM. Saturday, February 15 - Mardi Gras Craft Workshop 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Sunday, February 23 - Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parade & Zydeco Dance at 12:45 PM, 3:30 PM Chicken Run, 4:00 PM Mj Fontenot and The Country Boys, 5:00 PM Rusty Metoyer & The Zydeco Crush - Follow on Facebook The Krewe of Omega Parade will start and end at the Lake Charles Event Center, traveling down Broad to Enterprise and up to Mill Street. Find more SWLA Mardi Gras events and parade routes HERE. MARDI GRAS CHILDREN'S DAY Lake Charles Civic Center 10-12 MARDI GRAS CHILDREN'S PARADE Downtown Ryan St. to Sale Rd. 1-3 pm MARDI GRAS MADNESS 5K Corner of Lakeshore Dr. & Gill St. @ 12:30 pm. FEBRUARY 12TH - MARDI GRAS ROYAL GALA Lake Charles Civic Center @ 7:00 pm The Mardi Gras season will be here before you know it and it all gets underway in early January with the 12th night celebration. Mardi Gras is late this year with Mardi Gras Day taking place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, this season. Some like a later season because that gives them more time to prepare for it. It also gives Mardi Gras Krewe more Mardi Gras Celebrations Lake Charles is the only place in the state where the public is invited to see the ornate costumes of the royal courts from all local krewes in one place, both at the Twelfth Night evening, usually held on January 6 each year, as well as the Royal Gala, held the evening before Mardi Gras day. The granddaddy Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade winds four miles through Lake Charles, with more than 100 elaborate floats tossing thousands of beads, cups, doubloons and other fun items to cheering crowds along the way. The 2025 Krewe of Omega Mardi Gras Parade will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Founded in 1970 by Joseph Moffett Jr., the Krewe of Omega was established to bring Mardi Gras festivities to the Black community while fostering social connections for both the young and elderly. As the first and oldest krewe in Southwest Louisiana to host its own parade, this event is a Established in 2020! The Krewe of the South was founded by a group of friends wanting to enhance their Mardi Gras Experience. We came together to make memories, new friendships, and a krewe that will last a lifetime and beyond. Rooted in the South, we plan to bring old Mardi Gras traditions to new generations and celebrate our heritage here in southern Louisiana! From Southern Belles to City of Lake Charles Announces Barricade Placement and Road Closures Ahead of the Mardi Gras Holiday . As Mardi Gras approaches, the City of Lake Charles reminds businesses, residents and motorists that Public Works personnel, along with local law enforcement agencies, will be placing barricades along the Ryan Street parade route, beginning 5. Honor Lundi Gras at the Mardi Gras Royal Gala Lundi Gras is the Monday before Fat Tuesday when all the Mardi Gras Royal Gala magic happens. The event will occur on Monday, March 3, at 7 PM at the Lake Charles Event Center. Prepare for a promenade of the krewes’ royalty in extravagant, glittering costumes before hundreds of spectators. The Krewe of Omega Parade will start and end at the Lake Charles Event Center, traveling down Broad to Enterprise and up to Mill Street. Find more SWLA Mardi Gras events and parade routes HERE. A parade of costumed pets and their owners makes for a whimsical, carnival atmosphere. The title of "Mystical Dog" is given to the most strikingly costumed participant. One of the most highly attended parades during the Mardi Gras season, the day-time parade attracts pet-lovers and families. To enter your dog or learn more about the parade time, line-up, and route, contact Cumulus Broadcasting Senior citizens who have passed down Mardi Gras traditions celebrate the season with food and a Mardi Gras ball. Enjoy a Kings & Queens presentation, live music, dancing, continental breakfast, and lunch! Free to seniors 60 and up. Doors open at 8 AM. For more information, contact the Calcasieu Council on Aging at (337) 474-2583.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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