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Plan Your Unforgettable Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana

Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana is a highlight of the year, bursting with purple, green, and gold festivities at the start of the new year. Locals often repurpose Christmas decorations into Mardi Gras décor. As a dedicated fan, I know the season shifts annually—Mardi Gras Day, or Fat Tuesday, always falls 47 days before Easter, typically in February or early March. In 2017, it was February 28, but family-friendly events kick off weeks earlier. Plan ahead with friends and family by exploring the full schedule early.

For visitors, Southwest Louisiana offers diverse lodging options to enhance your Mardi Gras adventure in Lake Charles. Dress the part as a true reveler—prioritize sequins, feathers, masks, and tutus. If your closet lacks these, visit The Mardi Gras Lady, Catina Couture, or Accessory Zone for authentic seasonal attire.

Plan Your Unforgettable Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana

Once dressed, indulge in the ultimate Mardi Gras treat: king cake. The City of Sulphur's King Cake Taste-Off is the best spot to sample varieties from local bakeries, paired with a parade, festival, and endless fun.

Plan Your Unforgettable Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana

This is just a glimpse of Southwest Louisiana's Mardi Gras—chase chickens in a traditional courir, savor over 50 gumbos, enjoy pet parades, join a second-line stroll, and revel in the glitz and pageantry. Don't forget your dancing shoes! For a complete event listing, click here or visit www.swlamardigras.com.

Hotel & Food
  • 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! The capita

  • Riding a Mardi Gras Parade Float: An Insider s Thrilling Perspective in Louisiana

    As a Yankee transplant to Louisiana, one of my greatest discoveries upon moving here 10 years ago was realizing that Mardi Gras is not just a single day—its a vibrant season. From January 6 (Twelfth Night) to Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday), we celebrate with parties, parades, and cherished traditions. In truth, the spirit of joie de vivre endures in Louisianans hearts long after the festivities end. Ive immersed myself in Mardi Gras mysteries—from attending parades and gumbo c

  • 3 Timeless Lessons from My First Mardi Gras in Lake Charles, Louisiana

    Mardi Gras in Louisiana is famous for king cake, parades, beads, and krewes. But if thats all you know about this iconic tradition, youre missing its true heart and soul! During my first Mardi Gras celebration in Lake Charles last year, I uncovered what makes this event truly unforgettable. 1. Deep-Rooted Tradition Mardi Gras originated from Chicken Run festivals in rural Louisiana communities. Historically, the less fortunate would travel from plantation to plantation, collecting contributi