What would Mardi Gras parades be without our sassy, sequined, irreverent dance troupes and marching clubs? Learn about 40+ marching groups like the 610 Stompers, the Pussy Footers, and Roux La la here. Rooted in French medieval history and brought to Louisiana in the 19th century, Courir de Mardi Gras has many rituals that come together in a celebration on Fat Tuesday. It's commonly referred to as "the real Mardi Gras." The main event in a Cajun Country Mardi Gras is the traditional courir or “run” led by the capitaine of the Mardi Gras Music and Dance: The Soundtrack of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is more than just a sight to see—it’s a musical adventure. The sounds of New Orleans come alive, turning streets into concert stages. Traditional mardi gras music creates an atmosphere you won’t forget. Jazz and Zydeco Influences. New Orleans is the heart of mardi gras music. Of all the American cities to throw one last celebration before Lent, New Orleans is the best known, thanks to its full-throated carnival on “Fat Tuesday,” or Mardi Gras. Culture Trip takes a look at the traditions and quirks of this famous festival to give you a better understanding of just how integral it is to Louisiana culture. Everything you need to know about Mardi Gras, including updated parade routes, traditions, the best places to get Mardi Gras beads, masks, king cakes and more! In years past, animal mascots including McGruff the Crime Dog and the D.A.R.E. Lion have ended the parade with a dance-off. A Mardi Gras King and Queen are chosen from the real pets, and prizes The music heard at rural Mardi Gras is Louisiana French music called Cajun, Creole, or zydeco music—played and enjoyed by people from all walks of life and who call southwest Louisiana home. Cajun and Creole music indigenous to Louisiana is played year-round, but to some younger generations and the less-informed, it is referred to simply as The Courir de Mardi Gras in Mamou is one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in Louisiana, after its revival in the 1960s. This traditional run allows only men who are fully costumed and masked. Many participants ride horses on this run, while others opt to get ferried by a trailer in the rear of the group. 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 Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, which takes place March 4, marks the party’s climax and the end of Carnival Season on the Gulf Coast. The conclusion falls the day before Ash Wednesday and is seen as a final day of feasting and revelry before the solemnity of Lent. 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 annual Grand Marais Mardi Gras dance will be held on March 4, 2025 at the Friends Supporting Friends Event Center (Old VFW) on Highway 90 West in Jennings, LA. Doors open at 6PM. $10 cover at the door for 16 and over. Free chicken and sausage gumbo will be provided. Eunice, S 2nd St, Eunice, LA 70535, USA. Traditional horse and trailer Mardi Gras Parade . Share. Last Name * Email * Comment * Phone. Send. @2024 Eunice Cajun The 63rd Annual Saddle Tramp Riders Club/Church Point Courir de Mardi Gras will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Our full day event is one fluid route, but is comprised of a traditional Courir de Mardi Gras (Country Route) (8am-1:00pm),and a Parade down Main Street in the Town of Church Point (1pm-3:30pm). The Courir will stop at several Farmhouses along the route to collect ingredients for The Twin Cities’ Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras parade will celebrate its 42nd year of Mardi Gras tradition and flavor in the Twin Cities in 2025. The Twin Cities' Krewe of Janus Parade has entertained revelers since 1984 who eagerly gather along the 3.8-mile route through West Monroe and Monroe. Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana is a family-friendly festival and even has an entire day devoted to kids. Children’s Day, a free event, combines Mardi Gras fun with culture, music and learning. Mardi Gras Children’s Parade - The 2025 Mardi Gras Children’s Parade at 3:30 p.m. is a family-friendly highlight of the Mardi Gras season! As Big Chief Demond Melancon hand beading a part of his Mardi Gras Indian suit. (C)2019 GILES CLEMENT/DEMOND MELANCON. In 2008, after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, Melancon returned to masking. Revelers dance in the streets of the French Quarter during the Mardi Gras Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Feb. 20, 2023. CHANDAN KHANNA, AFP Via Getty Images 70 Songs For Your Mardi Gras Playlist. Traditional Mardi Gras Classics. Mardi Gras Mambo by The Hawketts The ultimate Mardi Gras anthem. Go to the Mardi Gras by Professor Longhair A quintessential New Orleans piano-driven classic. Second Line (Part 1) by Stop, Inc. Perfect for parades and dancing. Big Chief by Professor Longhair Come take part in this time-honored Cajun Mardi Gras tradition to enjoy the parade, the zydeco dance, and the delicious gumbo that is cooked at the end. 10 . Downtown River Jam Mardi Gras Party, Monroe, LA
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