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 year's 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—seeking ingredients for a grand communal gumbo, especially a live chicken.
Le Capitaine barters with the farmer, pledging dances and entertainment in exchange for a modest gift for the feast. Deal sealed, the masked Mardi Gras charge the yard amid lively music, cheers, and dances. They weave through onlookers, whisking young women into twirls and slyly snatching kisses or coins when Le Capitaine looks away. With breath fogging the crisp air, the farmer hurls a chicken into the yard, declaring it earned—but only if they catch it!
Picture a Mardi Gras unlike any other? Lake Charles boasts Louisiana's second-largest Carnival celebration, complete with lavish parades, decadent feasts, and glittering galas. Yet we proudly preserve the medieval French tradition introduced by Acadians in the 1750s: the Courir de Mardi Gras. Translating to "The Running of Mardi Gras"—or simply, the Chicken Run. This vibrant ritual has evolved little in 260 years, right down to the attire: pointed capuchons, grotesque masks, and mismatched fringed layers that satirized nobility while concealing identities.
Intrigued? All ages are welcome to join this cherished Cajun custom and create lasting memories!
Saturday, February 3rd - Vinton Chicken Run
• Line up starts at 7 a.m. at Vinton High School, 1603 Grace Avenue. Participation fee: $10 per person (free for children 10 and under). ATVs, horses, and trailers welcome on the trail ride.
• Trail ride departs at 8 a.m., heading out of city limits with chicken-chasing opportunities for kids and adults at every stop.
• Gumbo cookoff begins at 10 a.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall.
• Revelers return to Vinton Middle School, 900 Horridge Street, around 12:30 p.m. for the parade kickoff.
• Parade starts at 1 p.m., ending at Knights of Columbus Hall for gumbo cookoff judging at 2 p.m.
• For details and updates, call Vinton City Hall at (337) 589-7453.
Sunday, February 4th - Lake Charles Chicken Run
• Follow the parade of horses and floats to Lake Charles Civic Center at 1 p.m.
• Post-parade, catch a Mardi Gras concert with top Zydeco artists starting at 4 p.m. Info: (337) 660-1050 or lakecharleschickenrun@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, February 13th - Iowa Chicken Run
• 38th annual Iowa Mardi Gras Run starts at Knights of Columbus Hall, 503 E Highway 90. Doors open 8 a.m., floats line up 9 a.m., parade rolls at 10 a.m.
• Final stop: Rabideaux's Sausage Kitchen (Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail). Returns to Hall for gumbo, kids' playtime (2-4 p.m.), and Zydeco dance.
• Entry: $10 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Contact: Rodney Victorian (337) 842-1875 or Kimmy Bellard (337) 884-1403.
Tag your best Courir de Mardi Gras selfies with #VisitLakeCharles for a feature chance!
