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 Louisiana's second-largest Mardi Gras celebration. With over 50 krewes, there's 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 February 21.
Don't miss the Mardi Gras Queen's Pageant on Saturday, January 14, crowning the 2012 Miss Mardi Gras. Families with special needs citizens can enjoy the free Community Dance on Thursday, January 26, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
As Mardi Gras weekend nears, parades, cook-offs, balls, and galas ramp up. Kick off with the Merchant's Parade on Friday, February 17. On Saturday, February 18, savor the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off, mystical Krewe of Barkus Parade, Krewe of Omega Parade, Zydeco Dance, and presentations by the Krewe of Cosmos and Krewe of Illusions.
Sunday, February 19, celebrates kids with Children's Day activities and the Children's Parade. Enjoy Taste de la Louisiane and the Lighted Boat Parade at 7:30 p.m. along the lake behind the Civic Center.
The 2012 Royal Gala on Monday, February 20, showcases krewe royalty in full regalia at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Fat Tuesday, February 21, starts with the Krewe de Charlie Sioux Block Party. Claim your spot for the grand finale: the Krewe of Krewes Parade at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Lake Charles.
Year-round fun awaits at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, home to the world's largest display of over 250 complete costumes.
Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras earned a Top 20 Event award from the Southeast Tourism Society for Q1 2012. Visit www.swlamardigras.com for full 2012 details.
MARDI GRAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
January 6
Twelfth Night, 7 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
January 14
Queens' Pageant, Lake Charles Civic Center
January 26
Community Dance, 6:30–8 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February 11
Vinton Mardi Gras Parade & Festivities, 2 p.m., Downtown Vinton
February 13
Krewe of the Golden Years, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February 17
Merchants' Parade, 7 p.m., Downtown–Midtown Lake Charles
February 18
Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride, 8:30 a.m., West Cal Arena/Sulphur
World Famous Cajun Extravaganza/Gumbo Cook-Off, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Krewe of Omega Parade, 2 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles
Zydeco Dance, 3–5 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Krewe of Barkus Parade, 3 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Krewe of Cosmos Presentation, 6:30 p.m., Sulphur High School
Krewe of Illusions, 7:30 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February 19
Taste de la Louisiane, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Children's Day, Noon–3 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Children's Parade, 3 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles
Lighted Boat Parade, 7:30 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February 20
Royal Gala, 7 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February 21
Krewe of Charlie Sioux Parade Block Party, Noon, Corner of Broad & Ryan
Hot Rods, Classics and Motorcycles Parade, 1 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles
Krewe of Krewes' Parade, 5:30 p.m., Downtown–Midtown Lake Charles
