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Iowa Chicken Run: Authentic Courir de Mardi Gras in Cajun Country

Experience the unique, rural authenticity of the Iowa Chicken Run, one of the most unforgettable Mardi Gras celebrations in Cajun Country.

The festivities begin at 8 a.m., filled with the aromas of barbecue and gumbo spices. Washboard and accordion Zydeco music fills the air, sparking early dances. Revelers don vibrant purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras attire, with some sporting traditional courir costumes. As a participant, I proudly wear mine, topped with my trusty chicken hat!

Iowa Chicken Run: Authentic Courir de Mardi Gras in Cajun Country

The capitaine signals the start, and everyone boards trucks, trailers, ATVs, or horses for the parade. We make stops throughout the community to beg for gumbo ingredients—a centuries-old tradition where revelers dance to live Zydeco music, encouraging homeowners to donate for the evening's communal gumbo.

Iowa Chicken Run: Authentic Courir de Mardi Gras in Cajun Country

At each stop, the capitaine blows his whistle, releasing the chicken. In Iowa, only children chase it—an exciting spectacle of whoops, hollers, and dances. Catching the chicken is a true honor, and I enjoy watching the kids' enthusiasm without breaking a sweat!

Iowa Chicken Run: Authentic Courir de Mardi Gras in Cajun Country
Photo Credit: Yvette Cardozo

By lunchtime, with ingredients gathered, it's time for more dancing and hearty bowls of gumbo. This is quintessential Cajun Mardi Gras: laughter, festivity, and music that gets hearts pumping and feet moving.

Join the 38th annual Iowa Chicken Run on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Knights of Columbus Hall, 503 E Highway 90, Iowa, LA. Doors open at 8 a.m., floats line up at 9 a.m., parade starts at 10 a.m. Entry: $10 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Contact Rodney Victorian at (337) 842-1875 or Kimmy Bellard at (337) 884-1403 for details.

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