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Twelfth Night: Kick Off Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana with Royal Festivities

In Southwest Louisiana, the celebrations don't end after Christmas or the New Year. We keep the good times rolling with Mardi Gras—one of my favorite holidays! The annual Twelfth Night celebration is the perfect way to launch the Carnival season. For many, including me, it's the official start of king cake season (even Cooper, my dog, is ready for a taste!).

Twelfth Night: Kick Off Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana with Royal Festivities

This vibrant event features royal courts from more than 60 Krewes, parading in their elaborate, handcrafted costumes to herald the new Carnival season in grand style.

Twelfth Night: Kick Off Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana with Royal Festivities

Cheer on the Kings and Queens, and don't forget to check your slice of king cake—finding the baby earns prizes from local merchants and businesses.

Twelfth Night: Kick Off Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana with Royal Festivities

Mark your calendar for Twelfth Night on January 6 at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m., with festivities starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 in advance or $7 at the door; children 5 and under admitted free. Purchase advance tickets at Joseph's Electric, Gordon's Drug Store, Moss Bluff Flower Shop, Hamilton House in Sulphur, and Party Time Store on Lake Street.

Twelfth Night: Kick Off Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana with Royal Festivities

Did you know Southwest Louisiana hosts Louisiana's second-largest Mardi Gras? Following Twelfth Night, the fun continues with parades, galas, chicken runs, Zydeco music, and family-friendly events leading up to Fat Tuesday. Download the events app or get the latest info at www.swlamardigras.com.

Twelfth Night: Kick Off Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana with Royal Festivities

Hotel & Food
  • Lake Charles Courir de Mardi Gras: Authentic Chicken Runs and Cajun Traditions

    As dawn breaks over the horizon, dozens of costumed revelers mount horses, climb into trailers, and board floats. Their mud-stained fringed suits from last years adventures whip in the wind as they head into town. The irresistible Zydeco beat cuts through the morning fog while the colorful crowd trails Le Capitaine to the first farmhouse. Draped in traditional Carnival hues of green, purple, and gold, he proclaims the arrival of the "beggars"—also known as the Mardi Gras revelers

  • Experience Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras: Parades, Traditions, and Family Fun

    Throw me something, mister! takes on new excitement in Southwest Louisiana from January 6 to February 21, hosting Louisianas second-largest Mardi Gras celebration. With over 50 krewes, theres something for every family member to enjoy. The festivities begin on January 6 with the annual Twelfth Night Celebration, where 2012 royal courts dazzle in elaborate costumes at the Lake Charles Civic Center. From there, Laissez les bons temps rouler as events fill the calendar through Fat Tuesday on Febru

  • Mardi Gras Returns to New Orleans: Your Guide to Festive Fun with Dignity Intact

    NEW ORLEANS – Mardi Gras is back. You might say the festival comes around every year like clockwork. You might be right, if your clockwork allows for the same party to fall on a different day depending on that old devil moon.To help guide you through the Madness of It All with Your Dignity Intact, here are our favorite bars in New Orleans. (P.S. We dont care what you do with your dignity if you dont.)FATHOMS FIVE FAVORITE NOLA BARSBar