From the Desk of the Lieutenant Governor

From the Desk of the Lieutenant Governor Nungesser

It’s Mardi Gras season here in Louisiana and boy do we know how to have a parade! This year, we unofficially kicked off Mardi Gras in Pasadena, California when the Louisiana Office of Tourism float represents the state in the 135th Rose Parade® on January 1, 2024.

For a third year, Louisiana paraded across the national and international stages for this annual tradition. This year's theme was "Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language." Of course, music is a part of our culture and this event also kicked off our 2024 marketing campaign here in Louisiana, Year of Music.

Louisiana’s 2024 Rose Parade® float featured a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, fleur-de-lis, second-line inspired umbrellas, and of course lots of purple, green, and gold. Performing were Grammy-nominated Zydeco musician Sean Ardoin, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw, and legendary guitarist James Burton.

Also, for a third consecutive year, the Louisiana “Celebration Gator” crawled through the streets of New York City for the 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Riding and performing on the “Celebration Gator” were Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw from Mandeville and country singer and Alexandria native Alex Smith.

Participation in these two parades in recent years has resulted in more than six billion in audience reach and more than $60 million in advertising value. Through participating in these parades, we have encouraged potential visitors to experience the culture, history, food, and music that are uniquely Louisiana.

For more information on things to see and do here in Louisiana and our new marketing campaign, visit ExploreLouisiana.com.