Raegan Labat, courtesy of Visit Baton Rouge
Spanish Town Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge
Across our culturally rich region, the incomparable spectacle that is Mardi Gras in Louisiana has begun to unfold—bringing mischief, excess, and memory with it. The traditions that come along with this pre-Lenten feast are diverse, but all carry with them a universal spirit of play. We've scoured near and far to try and bring you as comprehensive a calendar of parades, courirs, and festivals as we can—but if we've missed something that you think belongs in this roundup, do let us know at editorial@countryroadsmag.com.
Big Easy Mardi Gras
Alas, it's finally here: La saison du Carnival! Whether you are a local New Orleanian or a first-time visitor, the experience can be simultaneously mystifying and disorienting. It's a world where whimsy wins, the rules are rewritten, and no costume is too extravagant. These parades range from the hand-hewn neighborhood marches to Versailles-level floats bearing celebrities.
Photo by Pableaux Johnson, courtesy of New Orleans & Company
New Orleans Black Masking Mardi Gras Indian
Mardi Gras on the Northshore
From raucous revelry, to family-friendly fun, to pooch parades, the folks of the Northshore in Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, and beyond have plenty of festivities to celebrate Carnival without ever having to cross the Causeway.
Courtesy of Visit the Northshore
Mardi Gras on the Northshore
Acadiana Mardi Gras
In the space between the extravagant flamboyance of New Orleans Carnival and the irreverent cacophony of the prairie courirs—Louisiana Mardi Gras wears many, incredibly diverse, masks. The Acadiana region boasts too many celebrations to count, each with their own distinct brand of revelry.
David SImpson
Basile Mardi Gras
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras
In Baton Rouge's brand of Carnival, there's political satire, parading pooches, and the elegance of Capital royalty. From Spanish Town raucousness to the nutty Mid City Gras, there's the naughty and the family friendly, and everything in between.
Raegan Labat, courtesy of Visit Baton Rouge
Spanish Town Parade, Baton Rouge
Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras
The greater Lake Charles area is home to zydeco icons, great gumbo recipes, and a knack for parading—see it all at its best for the region's Mardi Gras celebrations. There are chicken runs and royalty, and jeeps on parade as well as furry friends.
Photo by Kathryn Shea Duncan, courtesy of Visit Lake Charles.
Lake Charles's Krewe of Krewes, 2022.
Central Louisiana Mardi Gras
Catch beads and sights, from lights to classic cars, at Alexandria-Pineville's unique lineup of parades, ensuring the whole state is swathed with purple, green, and gold by Fat Tuesday morning.
Courtesy of Explore Alexandria-Pineville
Pineville Night of Lights Parade
North Louisiana Mardi Gras
Oh, were you one of those misinformed misanthropes who believed Mardi Gras only existed in South Louisiana? Well let your mind (and your world!) be opened! This state's got fêtitude from border to gulf-hewn border. Look up, folks!
Courtesy of Discover Monroe-West Monroe.
Krewe of Janus
Mardi Gras Down the Bayou
Nearly every corner of South Louisiana will be celebrating Mardi Gras, but down Cajun Country's coastlands and bayous—there's a rare sort of merry-making you sure don't want to miss.
Courtesy of Cajun Coast Tourism
Galatea Parade in Morgan City
