Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
These recipes make any day a party, whether you're whipping up New Orleans classics like shrimp étouffée or an unexpected mash-up like warm gumbo dip. No collection of Mardi Gras recipes would be complete without sweets, like our Praline-Cream Cheese King Cake or King Cake Beignets. Take a look through our recipes for best Fat Tuesday recipes 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 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! Mardi Gras is Louisiana’s celebration of life, culture, and community. It defines who we are as a people, as family and friends dress in their funkiest attire to attend parades, parties, and balls. Whether you live up in Shreveport or way down in New Orleans, for a few weeks the party truly does not stop and the attitude of the carnival The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. We’ll get into most of these later, but here are the key traditions at a glance: Shorty Gras—the Krewe of Freret’s annual post-parade party—takes place on February 22 at Mardi Gras World and features performances by Ja Rule, Juvenile, The Soul Rebels, and of course Orpheus (Monday before Mardi Gras): Known for creative floats and sought-after throws like four-foot stuffed dragons and custom-decorated tambourines. Zulu (Mardi Gras Day): Beloved for its unique throws, including the iconic hand-decorated coconuts. Rex (Mardi Gras Day): One of the oldest and most traditional parades, featuring a regal History of Mardi Gras in Louisiana. Mardi Gras’ roots trace back to Louisiana’s Spanish and French influences and have evolved over the centuries. Here are just a few lesser-known traditions and customs celebrated in the different regions. Cajun Mardi Gras. Cajun Mardi Gras, also called Courir de Mardi Gras, is a celebration on Fat Tuesday Known as the "King of Carnival," Rex is responsible for the official Mardi Gras colors — purple, green and gold — and is one of the most prestigious krewes in New Orleans. The Krewe of Zulu marched in Mardi Gras as early as 1901 and offers one of the most sought-after Mardi Gras throws — the Zulu coconut or the “Golden Nugget.” 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. Balloons, streamers and confetti are great Mardi Gras decorations, but you can keep it as simple or go as over-the-top as you like. The colors of Mardi Gras are green, purple and gold, so festive decorations in that color scheme are lovely and on theme. Have fun! Garnish foods with Mardi Gras party cake toppers. Little bags of confetti are Laissez les bons temps rouler! We're rolling out the purple, green, and gold for a family-friendly Mardi Gras Party. Indulge in complimentary king cake courtesy of Atwood's Bakery and get your groove on with live zydeco and pop music by The LaCour Trio. Show off your Mardi Gras decorating skills by decking out your kid's stroller or wagon (no throws). Regular admission; FOTAZ members free with Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry. Serve fresh veggies and peel-and-eat shrimp with Old Bay rémoulade for a light, tasty appetizer as an ode to summer days by the water. Best place to view the parade and enjoy the after party is at Sactown Mardi Gras Party Zone, on Broadway between 21st and 24th Streets. The after party will feature live music, a beer garden, a food court featuring Creole and Cajun dishes and specialty drinks,a kids zone, a car showcase, motorcycle show, and a Mardi Gras marketplace. 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 Tuesday, March 4 - Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party-Mardi Gras in the ZONE (kid's zone) - 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM-Iowa Chicken Run - Doors open at 8:00 AM, parade rolls at 10:00 AM, Gumbo is served 2:00-4:00 PM, Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush at 5:00 PM-Second Line Stroll at 1:00 PM-Jeeps on Parade at 2:00 PM-Motor Gras Parade at 3:00 PM-Mardi Saturday, Feb. 15 – Rayne Mardi Gras Parade & After Party – The Parade runs on The Boulevard and the After Party is at 206 Frog Festival Drive, Gossen Memorial Park in Rayne. 2-7 p.m Spice up your Mardi Gras party with a Bloody Mary bar! This DIY cocktail bar lets your guests' creativity flow, all while sipping on the delicious Southern staple. Set up a spread of your favorite Bloody Mary mix, zesty Worcestershire sauce, vodka, and a rainbow of garnishes—from crunchy pickles and spicy jalapeños to crispy bacon and celery New Orleans Mardi Gras is known for its vibrant food scene. Cajun cuisine is at the heart of the celebration, making every meal unforgettable. You’ll taste the rich flavors of Louisiana’s culture. Unique Mardi Gras customs are celebrated through famous dishes. Gumbo, a seafood stew, is a Creole cooking staple. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, center, shows off his Louisiana flag themed cape at the Washington Mardi Gras Ball at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |