Black History Month
February 2023
First Person with Katie Harrington
February 2023
It’s Mardi Gras season – Louisiana’s most celebrated time of year! This year’s Guide provides all the information you need to know, from the history of rural Mardi Gras traditions and what to wear to a ball, to where to find the parties and parades. We’ve also included a First Person interview with someone who knows Mardi Gras well and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mardi Gras events.
Laissez le bon temps rouler!
2023 Mardi Gras Event Schedule
Beads, king cake, glittering costumes, and parades . . . the Mardi Gras season in Southwest Louisiana continues with activities and traditional celebrations through Fat Tuesday on February 21. A new event for this season is the “Taste of Mardi Gras Cocktail Party” to be held Wednesday, February 15th, 6– 9 p.m. inside the Contraband Room at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Tickets are $30 per person and can be ordered by calling either 337-244-1466 or 337-488-4827.
Lake Charles
Thursday, February 16th
Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade, 7 p.m.
Friday, February 17 th
Merchants’ Parade, 7 p.m. down Ryan Street
Saturday, February 18th
Mardi Gras Gumbo Cookoff, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Mardi Gras Children’s Stroll, 11 a.m. – noon Krewe of Omega Parade, 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 19th
Children’s Day activities at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., with the first hour being sensory awareness time.
Children’s Parade, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, February 20th
Royal Gala – See regal displays of kings, queens, and courts from the area’s rich array of Mardi Gras Krewes. Lake Charles Civic Center at 7 p.m. Tickets $10 with children five and under admitted free of charge.
Tuesday, February 21st
Mardi Gras Day
Second Line Stroll Walking Parade, 1 p.m.
Jeeps on Parade, 2:00 p.m.
Motor Gras Parade, 3:00 p.m.
Main Event (Krewe of Krewes Parade) 5:00 p.m. The Zone is a family-oriented, alcohol and tobacco free area for families to enjoy on Fat Tuesday in the parking lot between Pujo and Kirby Streets from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. complete with games, a live DJ, and refreshments.
Sulphur
Saturday, February 18th
The Krewe of Cosmos: 72nd annual Mardi Gras pageant and presentation or the 2023 Royal Court of Route 66. Krewe of Cosmos is the oldest krewe in Southwest Louisiana and has entertained the community, free of charge, since 1951. This year, an exciting trip is in store for all as “Cosmos Travels Route 66.” Festivities include live entertainment by the Krewe Jesters, throwing of beads by Merry Makers.
-Sulphur High School auditorium, 6 p.m.
Iowa
Saturday, February 18th
Iowa Chicken Run, Mardi Gras Day: Doors open at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 503 E Hwy 90, at 8 a.m. followed by the parade line up at 9 a.m. and the parade rolling at 10 a.m. Following the parade, gumbo will be served from 2–4 p.m. with music provided by Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush at 5 p.m.
Vinton
Saturday, February 11 th
Chicken Run and Trail Ride: Line up at 7 a.m. at Ted Lyon’s ballfield. Ride begins at 8 a.m. Admission $15, ages 10 and under free. The Mardi Gras parade begins at 1p.m., starting at Vinton Middle School and running South down Horridge Street.
For more information on these events, parade routes, additional Mardi Gras activities throughout Southwest Louisiana, and parade entry forms, log onto www.swlamardigras.com.
Jeff Davis Parish
Saturday, February 4 th
Welsh Mardi Gras Run & Parade: Downtown Welsh, Music begins 12 p.m., Parade rolls 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 th
Lake Arthur Mardi Gras & Parade: 9 a.m. Run begins from Lake Arthur Park, 2:30 p.m., Parade rolls down Arthur Ave.
Saturday, February 18 th
Jennings Mardi Gras Festival: Founders Park, 11 a.m.
Saturday, February 18 th
Elton Mardi Gras: The Stable, Parade & Entertainment to follow, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 18 th
Jennings Festival Association Annual Squeezebox Shootout: Founders Park on Main Street, 10 a.m.
Sunday, February 19 th
Hathaway Grand Marais Mardi Gras Run
Beauregard Parish
Saturday, February 11 th
Women’s League of DeRidder Mardi Gras Gala: Beauregard Parish Fair Grounds, 6 p.m.
Saturday, February 18 th
Louisiana Saturday Night Mardi Gras Parade: DeRidder 5 p.m.
Saturday, February 18 th
Taste of Beauregard Battle for the Paddle Gumbo CookOff: Outdoor Pavillion at Beaurgeard Parish Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Countryside Courirs a Cajun Tradition
story and photos by Taylor Trahan Henry
The sights and sounds of a Mardi Gras celebration on city streets are something special – that can’t be denied. The pageantry and extravagance makes for a beautiful display of royalty and revelry. But one could argue that you haven’t experienced a true Fat Tuesday until you’ve done it in Cajun country.
A Courir de Mardi Gras – translated Running of Mardi Gras – is a traditional celebration of Mardi Gras that dates back to medieval France, but more on that later. It is steeped in ritual, from the events of the day down to the threads in the costumes. The main components of a Courir de Mardi Gras embody all that most know and love about the Cajun culture – faith, family, food and music.
While celebrated throughout the South by nearly everyone, Mardi Gras is considered a religious holiday. It is celebrated in the Catholic faith as the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. During Lent Catholics fast and focus on a minimalist lifestyle in order to grow in faith. As such, the Courir de Mardi Gras seeks to prepare a gumbo for the entire community to enjoy in celebration before they begin Lenten fast and penance. And it goes a little something like this . . .
Masked men in vibrant costumes – often sown by mothers, wives, or grandmothers using scrap fabric – parade on horseback from house to house in the community asking for ingredients for their gumbo. They’re led by “le capitaine”, draped in purple, green and gold. Their costumes pay homage to the mocking of scholars in 1600s France. Miter hats, mortar boards and capuchins all aim to ridicule the rich, educated and aristocratic French. It’s also why most runners will disguise their voice while begging and teasing spectators.
They pray, sing, horse play and dance with women, men and children alike to persuade the home owner to give them anything they can put in the pot. Rice, sausage, or the ultimate prize – a chicken. Chickens aren’t just handed out. They’re the grand prize and require a little bit of a show, if you will. Should the homeowner choose to give them a chicken, he sets it loose and the men set out to catch it. It’s a sight to see and when someone catches it, there is no shortage of pride or celebration.
At the end of the day, the men gather with the community and their families, usually at a church hall or the home of a community member and cook up a gumbo. There is food and a good time to be had by all at the fais do-do. Don’t be surprised to find people of all ages, from babies to grandparents. It is a family affair!
Courirs de Mardi Gras can be found throughout South Louisiana. In fact, if you venture into Jeff Davis Parish and further east, there is one in nearly every rural community. If you’ve got a bucket list, go ahead and add “laissez les bon temps rouler in the countryside!”
Time to Sparkle! What to wear to the ball
by Stefanie Powers
The Mardi Gras season is in full swing! There are over 60 krewes in Southwest Louisiana, and most have balls. Many are costume-only, but more require formal attire. That means ball gowns for the ladies, and tuxes for the men.
Some krewes are more strict than others when it comes to gowns. There are invitations that specify “floor length,” which means you can’t wear a cocktail dress, no matter how blingy or expensive. Nor can you wear a ¾ length dress. Other krewes are more lenient. If you get an invitation and aren’t sure of the dress code, contact whomever sent you the invite. Some women have been turned away at the door because they were in the “wrong” dress.
Searching for a gown can be fun if you give yourself plenty of time to find it. Last-minute shopping is stressful, so make sure that doesn’t happen. If you regularly attend Mardi Gras balls, keep your eyes open year-round for dress sales.
The mermaid look is still popular and flattering on curvy figures, and one-shoulder or off the shoulder gowns are trending. Strapless gowns aren’t a big thing currently. Bouffant skirts are not as popular as the more form-fitting styles, but if you want something fuller, A-line gowns fit the bill and look great on everyone.
Don’t be afraid of sequins and bright colors! Mardi Gras is all about flash, color, and fun, so keep that in mind. Whatever you choose, make sure you feel good in it! Don’t sacrifice comfort for style. You want to be able to both sit and dance with ease. And what you wear under your gown is almost important as the dress itself. Spanx is your best friend, and there are plenty of styles to choose from.
After you’ve decided on your gown, it’s time to think about accessories. You may love those stiletto heels, but how comfortable will you be wearing them all night? Many women solve this problem by bringing a pair of comfy flats with them. When your feet start hurting, you can change into them. Also, if your gown needs to be altered, bring the shoes you will be wearing with you to the fitting.
Think glitter! The more bling, the better. Glitter spray makes your arms and decollete’ sparkle. You can also use it on your hair. Don’t be afraid of false eyelashes, flashy nails and exaggerated eye makeup. It’s your night to shine!
Opera-length gloves that coordinate with the shade of your dress make a stunning fashion statement. But you may get too warm as the night goes on. Like the stilettos, they can come off after a while. Bring an evening purse that will fit your phone, lipstick, keys, etc. If you purchase one, opt for basic black so you can use it again and again. And don’t forget your umbrella for the Second Line!
Stefanie Powers has been an integral part of the SWLA Mardi Gras scene since 2004. She has been a member of three krewes, attended countless balls (one season she attended eight balls!), and been crowned Mardi Gras Queen twice.
