In 1875, the Louisiana State Legislature declared Mardi Gras a legal holiday in the state of Louisiana. [1] The holiday is observed on the day before Ash Wednesday (also known as Fat Tuesday). [2] [3] [4] Establishing the state holiday made it possible for people to celebrate Mardi Gras legally, including suspending laws against concealing one Louisiana Property Assistance Agency; Home / Division Offices / Office of Human Resources / State Holiday Calendar Mardi Gras: March 4, 2025: Good Friday State holidays in Louisiana, like in many other states, do have a significant impact on tourism and local businesses. Here are several ways in which state holidays in Louisiana can affect these sectors: 1. Increased tourism: State holidays such as Mardi Gras, Louisiana’s official state holiday, draw millions of tourists to the state each year. Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is a legal holiday. However, elaborate carnival festivities draw crowds in other parts of the United States during the Mardi Gras season as well Help us protect Louisiana's children. Report Child Abuse & Neglect and Juvenile Sex Trafficking : 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential. In 1875, Governor Henry Warmoth signed the “Mardi Gras Act,” making Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in Louisiana. Louisiana is the only state that recognizes Mardi Gras as a holiday. Other parts of the country have carnival festivities, such as Alabama and Mississippi, but only Louisiana has a true Mardi Gras! This article explores Louisiana’s state holidays, examining their legal definitions, recognized public rest and legal holidays, and any exceptions or special provisions. Legal Definition of State Holidays in Louisiana. In Louisiana, state holidays are legally defined under Title 1, Section 55 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. However, there are holidays that are celebrated throughout the state, many of which are recognized by the federal government as well. Every four years, Inauguration Day is considered a holiday and every two years General Election Day is aholiday with public offices closed. Mardi Gras is also celebrated throughout Louisiana. 2025 Louisiana Holidays. Below you will find a list of the 2024 Louisiana state holidays. Down south, the Bayou state celebrates most of the federal holidays, although they do not observe President’s Day. The one additional holiday the state is well known for is Mardi Gras. It’s not only a state holiday, but a big party. In 1875, Louisiana declared Mardi Gras a legal state holiday. [5] War, economic, political, and weather conditions sometimes led to cancellation of some or all major parades, especially during the American Civil War, World War I and World War II, but the city has always celebrated Carnival. [5] Understanding State Holidays Holidays for State Government State holidays are defined in La. R.S. 1:55(B). Legal holidays shall be observed by the departments of the state as follows: 1. a. Insofar as may be practicable in the administration of the government, no Mardi Gras was celebrated soon after the city of New Orleans was founded in 1718, but was briefly banned when the Spanish took control of New Orleans until Louisiana became a U.S. state in 1812 New Orleans Once Banned Mardi Gras – After the Spanish took control of Louisiana in 1762, Mardi Gras was banned until French Creoles revived it in the early 19th century. Mardi Gras is a Legal Holiday in Louisiana – Louisiana is the only U.S. state that officially recognizes Mardi Gras as a public holiday. Flambeaux: Illuminating Tradition True or false: Louisiana recognizes Mardi Gras as a state holiday. As the date of Easter changes each year so does the date of Mardi Gras. The earliest date Mardi Gras can be is Tuesday 3rd February and the latest date is Tuesday March 9th. Mardi Gras is a legal state holiday in Louisiana. In Alabama, it is a holiday in Baldwin and Mobile Counties only. History of Mardi Gras D. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 6:65 or any other law to the contrary, all banking institutions and savings and loan associations located within the parishes of Terrebonne, Lafourche, Iberia, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, St. Mary, and Iberville, and all banking institutions located within the parishes of Lafayette and St. Landry Louisiana Property Assistance Agency; Home / Division Offices / Office of Human Resources / State Holiday Calendar Mardi Gras: March 4, 2025: Good Friday Some parishes within the state have optional half-holidays for all banking institutions, which means participating banks may close their doors at 12:00 p.m. The first day of Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is also a legal holiday throughout the state. The following chart lists Louisiana's legally recognized holidays, with links to additional To learn more, visit the permanent exhibition, Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana, at the Presbytère on Jackson Square. Mardi Gras: Mystery and History. Built upon a European foundation, Mardi Gras is a multicultural festival that also reflects Louisiana's African and Caribbean connections. Louisiana Property Assistance Agency; Home / Division Offices / Office of Human Resources / State Holiday Calendar Mardi Gras: March 4, 2025: Good Friday
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