King Cake Reigns Supreme This Mardi Gras Season
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As the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras comes to life across Southwest Louisiana, it’s time to prepare for the festivities. The revelry, rhythm, and rich traditions that define our region’s most celebrated holiday are kicking off soon, especially with an early Fat Tuesday this year!
Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana isn’t just a festival; it’s a cultural tapestry woven with the threads of history, music, and Cajun flair. From lively parades that wind through the heart of our towns to the culinary delights that grace our tables during these festive days, we’re here to ensure you savor every moment of this exuberant season. Whether you’re a seasoned reveler or a newcomer eager to experience the magic, these pages unfold a few secrets to making the most of this joyous occasion with family and friends.
All That Glitters Is Purple, Green & Gold
by Katelynn Mouton
One of the perks of calling southern Louisiana home is having the holiday season, and all its festivities, extend well beyond the start of the New Year. Just days after the clock strikes midnight, signaling the start of the New Year, the glitzy glamour of Mardi Gras makes its flamboyant appearance.
Whether you are attending a Krewe ball or attending a King Cake party and searching for a small token of appreciation for your host or guests, options abound on unique, festive ideas.
Locally, gift shops, boutiques, and other specialty retailers are stocked and ready, with infinite possibilities.
Mardi Gras themed service and drinkware pieces like decorative chip and dip bowls, painted wine glasses, wine glass charms, coasters, holiday-themed chargers, tea towels and shot glasses are the gifts that keep on giving since they can be decorative and functional.
Mardi Gras themed tumblers offer the perfect opportunity to take your Carnival Season spirit, and your favorite beverage, to your next party, parade or ball.
With each year presenting a number of opportunities to shout, “Throw me something mister,” from the parade route, seasonal dresses, t-shirts, sweaters and other tops make for nice gifts. No outfit is complete without the accompanying accessories, so earrings, bracelets, purses, coin wallets, scarves and more also top this list of gift ideas.
Louisiana celebrates its seafood, and rightfully so, but do not toss out those oyster shells once dinner is over. Once cleaned, they make the perfect canvas to create a unique and memorable gift. Speaking of Louisiana’s love language, a themed gift basket, stocked with Cajun/Louisiana-Certified seasonings, sauces, drink mixes, coffee brews and more makes way for a fun and festive gift. Don’t forget the specialty cocktail mixes and be sure to toss a sweet smelling candle in to round out the basket. A number of local gift shops carry a wide variety of products from Louisiana candle makers, helping add a little Louisiana flavored lagniappe to your basket.
In many Southwest Louisiana homes Christmas trees transition to Mardi Gras trees, making Mardi Gras ornaments of all varieties a great gift selection. Look to purchase ready-made products, or if you are feeling crafty, consider creating your own custom painted set to gift your host or guests.
For the crafter or DIYer, custom painted wine or champagne bottles are a trending gift. Inspiration, tips, and tricks are plentiful on the Internet thanks to sites like Pinterest and Etsy, or commissioning a local artist or talented friend to paint your masterpiece is also an option.
If you’re wanting to bring something both edible and festive, customized royal icing cookies make the perfect addition to any party. You can customize with Krewe names, Mardi Gras sayings, logos, and the colors of the season.
No matter the gift selected, the true value lies in the memories made and bonds formed through celebrating one of Louisiana’s richest and longest running cultural celebrations.
Mardi Gras Events Across Southwest Louisiana
The carnival season is here and there is no shortage of fun to be had! Balls, brews, parades, and parties – there is something for everyone. Get your calendar out and mark these dates down to laissez les bon temps rouler.
Mardi Gras Twelfth Night
Saturday, January 6 | 6:00 PM
Lake Charles Civic Center
Welsh Kids’ Run
Saturday, January 20 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sportsman’s Park, Welsh
Mardi Gras Community Dance
Thursday, January 25 | 6:00 PM
Lake Charles Civic Center
Welsh Mardi Gras Run & Parade
Saturday, January 27 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Downtown Welsh
Lake Arthur Mardi Gras Run & Parade
Saturday, February 3 | 8:00 AM
Lake Arthur Park
Knights of St. Peter Claver Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday, February 3 | 11:00 AM
2526 Opelousas St., Lake Charles
Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade
Thursday, February 8 | 7:00 PM
Lakefront Promenade, Lake Charles
Mardi Gras Merchant’s Parade
Friday, February 9 | 7:00 PM
Downtown/Midtown Lake Charles
Childrens’ Mardi Gras Stroll
Saturday, February 10 | 11:00 AM
1175 1st Avenue, Lake Charles
Krewe of Barkus Parade
Saturday, February 10 | 1:00 PM
Broad St., Downtown Lake Charles
Krewe of Omega Parade
Saturday, February 10 | 2:00 PM
Downtown Lake Charles
World Famous Cajun Extravaganza & Gumbo Cook-off
Saturday, February 10 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater
Mardi Gras Childrens’ Day
Sunday, February 11 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lake Charles Civic Center
Mardi Gras Childrens’ Day Parade
Sunday, February 11 | 1:00 PM
Downtown Ryan St., Lake Charles
Mardi Gras Royal Gala
Monday, February 12 | 7:00 PM
Lake Charles Civic Center
Iowa Chicken Run
Tuesday, February 13 | 8:00 AM
K.C. Hall, Iowa
Second Line Stroll
Tuesday, February 13 | 1:00 PM
Downtown Lake Charles
Jeeps on Parade
Tuesday, February 13 | 2:30 PM
Downtown Lake Charles
Mardi Gras in the ZONE
Tuesday, February 13 | 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Charleston Building Parking Lot, Downtown Lake Charles
Motor Gras Parade
Tuesday, February 13 | 3:00 PM
Downtown/Midtown Lake Charles
Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade
Tuesday, February 13 | 5:00 PM
Downtown/Midtown Lake Charles
Let the Good Times Roll – Safely!
by Kristy Como Armand
Louisiana’s Mardi Gras season can be an unforgettable and fun experience for your whole family. However, the crowds and traffic do pose certain safety risks if you’re unprepared to deal with them.
“Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana is a fun, family-oriented experience,” says Stitch Guillory, Chief Deputy/Sheriff-Elect of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO). “But it’s important to be smart and stay safe while reveling in the season.”
The CPSO offers the following tips for safely enjoying Mardi Gras fun:
Parade Spectators
- Avoid getting close to parade floats when you are watching or trying to catch beads. Never run into the street — floats cannot stop quickly.
- Respect barricades, ropes or other items that are placed to separate the crowd from the parade.
- Don’t follow behind floats or bands.
- Keep your head up. And your eyes open, watching for throws. You want to catch the beads and other treats while you stand along the parade routes, not get hit by these throws.
- Don’t put your hand on the ground to grab items thrown from floats. Your hand can be injured by someone stepping on it while you are doing so. Put your foot on it, and when it’s safe (typically between floats), reach down to pick it up.
- Don’t throw items at floats.
- Use extreme caution when attempting to cross the parade route. Look for traffic officers for guidance.
- Watch children carefully and never leave them unattended. Make sure your child knows their name, your phone number and address in case of separation. Write that information, along with your name, on a piece of paper and place it in the child’s pocket for added safety.
- If you decide to put your child on your shoulders so they can catch special throws, be careful. Crowds can swell forward suddenly and unexpectedly, making it easy to get knocked over.
- If you are being picked up or dropped off near the parade, pay attention to vehicles around you. There is a great risk of being hit by a vehicle that is not paying attention to those entering and exiting vehicles.
- If you consume alcohol at the parade, do not drink and drive. Have a designated drive or ride share plan for after the parade.
Parade Participants
- If you are a driver of a vehicle towing a float, consider having someone ride in the vehicle or cab with you to help you focus on safety and to help you in the event you have an emergency.
- Drive slowly. Mardi Gras parades maintain a slower speed so spectators may observe the float decorations and keep the procession moving at a steady pace. Speeding increases the risk for striking a pedestrian, hitting another float or injuring someone aboard your float.
- Do not hand items such as beads to someone over the side of the float. It is safer to throw or toss items from the sides so that spectators can move back from the float.
- Keep the number of passengers on the float to a safe number.
- Ensure your float is properly attached to towing vehicles to avoid the float separating and hitting bystanders or other vehicles.
- Do not stand or climb on anything inside the float. This increases the risk of a fall off of the float.
- Only throw or toss items during the parade itself. Throwing items while going to/from the parade can cause traffic accidents or injuries to those not expecting it.
Mardi Cause: Beyond the Parades and Pageantry
by Katelynn Mouton
What would Mardi Gras be without the flamboyance provided by Mardi Gras krewes? While many see these groups as a means to gather for colorful balls, parades and other fun, each one has its own unique history and purpose running far deeper than the purple, green and gold.
Mardi Gras lends itself to Mardi Cause for many krewes, with members spending the off season focused on acts of service.
Krewe du Sauvage
Established in 2003, Krewe du Sauvage, or Krewe of the Wild, is one of the area’s largest and loudest krewes.
“What started as a small group of friends hoping to preserve a love for local culture, fellowship, community service, and celebration has blossomed,” says Krewe du Sauvage Board Member Deanna Russell. “We are now more than 300 members strong and have been an active participant in all things SWLA Mardi Gras.”
Russell says their membership is most proud of the opportunities they have to give back.
Their efforts have included a cemetery clean-up, collections for the homeless, local women’s shelter, Catholic Charities, hurricane recovery, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Salvation Army bell ringing, fundraising for local charitable organizations, and more.
“Sauvage’s philanthropic involvement resonates with our membership and their true heart for giving back to the community,” explains Russell. “Most have deep ties to this area, so there is a genuine bond between the members and Southwest Louisiana.”
Krewe de Bien Faire
In 2016 Krewe de Bien Fiare formed. Bien faire, or do good, perfectly encapsulates the mission of its members according to Krewe President Crys Acuff.
“Committed to generosity and service, our organization is dedicated to giving back to the community. Our krewe is passionate about traditional Mardi Gras activities, but our true joy comes from giving back.”
Activities include participation in a supply drive for DeWanna’s Community Closet and various drives for Food for Thought. Members also collected food and supplies for first responders during last summer’s wildfires.
Members regularly gather food and items for Hobo Hotel and they engage in the annual Pick It Up Calcasieu anti-litter campaign.
Krewe de Bien Faire worked with other krewes to pull off a Trunk-or-Treat at Sam Houston State Park and joined forces with fellow krewes to establish an annual toy drive benefiting Brennan’s Blessings.
“Mardi Gras is not just about floats, beads and throws. We are dedicated to embodying the Mardi Gras spirit through year-round acts of giving back. We hold a deep affection for our community and its people, striving to serve and uplift them,” says Acuff.
Krewe de Valhalla
In 2020, Krewe de Valhalla formed with a membership limited to veterans and their families.
“Our krewe loves traditional Mardi Gras activities, including our ball, parades and more,” says Krewe Captain Chas Farrell, a Marine Corps and Iraq War veteran. “What sets us apart is our goal of helping our veterans and community.”
Activities include collecting Mardi Gras beads for the Autism Society and dedicating a percentage of their Krewe Bingo proceeds to Lighthouse Ministries.
The krewe helped raise funds for Carry the Load on Memorial Day and they helped put up and take down flags for the annual Avenue of Flags display. Other efforts include volunteering with Catholic Charities, Food for Thought, and DeWanna’s Closet.
Krewe de Valhala was also part of the multi-krewe Trunk-or-Treat and toy drive benefiting Brennan’s Blessings, as well as collecting and distributing toys with Toys for Tots and collecting supplies during last summer’s wildfires.
The proceeds from the krewe’s annual golf tournament were used to purchase 100 Christmas trees for veterans and for providing a Secret Santa to 15 veteran families in need.
“We want the community to understand that our krewe membership has never thought there was an expiration date on our commitment to service,” explains Farell. “Although we are not in uniform, we see the duty of service as a calling that we will continue to fulfill.”
