The words Mardi Gras conjure many images; decadence, revelry, Carnival. In Lafayette, Louisiana it has another meaning; family friendly. That’s right. It’s easy to “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler” (“Let the Good Times Roll”) with the entire family. Lafayette has a long history of celebrating Mardi Gras, beginning in 1869 with the first formal ball and parade. Today, you’ll find activities ranging from the traditional balls and parades to the medieval traditions of the Courir de Mardi Gras. Join us in exploring a Family Friendly Mardi Gras in Lafayette, Louisiana.

I attended a Mardi Gras press trip hosted by the Lafayette CVB. All opinions are my own.

Family Friendly Mardi Gras Activities- Lafayette, LA

Mardi Gras, traditionally known as “Shrove Tuesday,” was celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. It was the last day of Carnival and the day before the starting of Lent, always taking place 40 days before Easter, not counting Sundays. Mardi Gras celebrations begin earlier now, often several weeks in advance. These fun-filled spectacles offer a chance to celebrate with family and friends in a variety of ways.

Mardi Gras Parades

When people think of Mardi Gras, usually the first thing that comes to mind is the parades. Crowds line the sidewalks to see the massive floats, waving their hands and shouting, “Throw me something, Mister!” The Krewes, social organizations who host the parade and design a float, toss beads, cups, toys, and other goodies to the waiting crowd. A tradition started in 1870, this continues to be the most popular draw for the crowd. And, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to ‘display your wares’ to have someone toss you beads. Here’s a sample of some of the many parades you’ll find in Lafayette.

The Krewe of Bonaparte Parade– First started in 1972 to encourage young people to celebrate Mardi Gras, this parade is still going strong after 47 years! Covering a four-mile route, this parade features costumed riders, elaborately decorated floats, and plenty of beads and throws. This parade takes place in the evening of the Saturday before Mardi Gras. A heavily attended parade, you’ll need to get to the route early to secure a good spot. Along with the beautifully decorated floats, there’s plenty of local marching bands and awesome live music.

Mardi Gras Bead Tree — *Keep an eye out for the* bead trees!

The Independent Parade-“Once you’ve ridden in a float you’ll never want to go back to just observing again.” I didn’t realize how true these words were until I participated in the Independent Parade, hosted by TownSquare Media. Usually, parades are dominated by Krewes. This parade, held on Mardi Gras, allows any group or business to join the parade. The only requirements are paying the parade fee and following the rules.

We were given a spot atop a float, along with beads, Mardi Gras headbands, and brief instructions on bead throwing techniques. We soon discovered why we’d been given instructions on bead throwing. We still managed to hit several people in the face by accident. Several of us threw beads at the same person, causing them to attempt to duck and grab simultaneously. Helpful hint: Always, always, keep your eyes on the float when people are throwing beads. Beads and trinkets hurt when they hit your face. Ask me how I learned this.

We had to duck under power lines and tree branches. The only bathroom available was an outhouse with a door that didn’t close properly, leaving us to tag team bathroom breaks. It was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had.

If you ever get the chance to ride a float in a Mardi Gras parade, take it!

Queen Evangeline’s Parade-Held on the evening of Lundi Gras, this parade honors the reigning Queen Evangeline. A new queen, along with other court royalty, is chosen each year. She rides in a regal float, reminiscent of Cinderella’s coach. Several Krewes participate in this parade, along with their royal courts. The floats are a feast for the eyes and there’s plenty of live music to get your feet tapping and your hands clapping.

Courir de Mardi Gras

You can’t get much more traditional than the Courir de Mardi Gras. Brought to Louisiana by the Acadian settlers, this Mardi Gras run celebrates the music, dances, and French culture of the Cajuns. You won’t find beads or trinkets here. Instead, you’ll find costumed revelers on horseback or on carts, preparing to celebrate one last time before Lent. The procession goes from house to house, begging for items to be used in a communal pot of gumbo or for “sans sou” (coins.) In return, the procession will perform songs, dances, and occasional pranks. At the end of the day, the community gathers for a meal of thick hearty gumbo and other Cajun delights.
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Capuchon and Mask Workshop

– You can’t attend a Courir de Mardi Gras without a costume. That’s where the Capuchon and mask workshop came in handy. Led by Robin Miller, a local Mardi Gras costume maker, we learned the history behind these items. These cone-shaped hats are based on designs used by the medieval French, who wore them on Carnival to mock the rich or the scholarly.

Because they were used in rural Cajun communities, the people used scraps of clothing or old rags to create the costumes. The masks were made from another common household object, chicken wire, and decorated to hide the identity of the wearer. At the end of the Courir de Mardi Gras, the masks, hats, and costumes were removed. Today, these items are still made with scraps, although they usually come from the local craft store. Participants are encouraged to develop their own style.

Lundi Gras Boucherie

This celebration, held on Lundi Gras (Strove Monday), is a tradition rooted in the ways of the past. It began among the rural communities as a way to have meat during the winter months. Now an all-day experience, it starts early in the morning with the butchering of a hog. The hog is then divided among cooking stations where it turned into delicacies such as boudin, boudin rouge, cracklins, backbone stew, and ponce. The entire hog is used in the process; even the bones are used to make hogshead cheese. Beginning at noon, there’s a live band playing Cajun music. The event is free to the public, but you will have to pay for food.
Helpful Hint: This event is held inside a barn. While there are a few space heaters, you’ll want to wear your winter gear.

No matter what activities you try, Mardi Gras is an experience you don’t want to miss! If you visit once, you’ll be hooked and will want to repeat the experience year after year. Have you attended Mardi Gras? What was your favorite activity?