TIME

It’s Mardi Gras season – Louisiana’s most celebrated time of year! This year’s Guide provides all the information you need to know, from the history of rural Mardi Gras traditions and what to wear to a ball, to where to find the parties and parades. We’ve also included a First Person interview with someone who knows Mardi Gras well and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mardi Gras events.

Mardi Gras Event Schedule

A new event for this season is the "Taste of Mardi Gras Cocktail Party" to be held Wednesday, February 15th 6– 9 p.m inside the Contraband Room at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

-Tickets are $30 per person and can be ordered by calling either 337-244-1466 or 337-488-4827.

Lake Charles

Thursday, February 16 th

Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade 7 p.m.

Friday, February 17 th

Merchants’ Parade 7 p.m. down Ryan Street

Saturday, February 18 th

Mardi Gras Gumbo Cookoff 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Mardi Gras Children’s Stroll 11 a.m. – noon

Krewe of Omega Parade 2 p.m.

Sunday, February 19 th

Children’s Day activities at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. with the first hour being sensory awareness time.

Children’s Parade 3:30 p.m.

Monday, February 20 th

Royal Gala – See regal displays of kings, queens, and courts from the area’s rich array of Mardi Gras Krewes. Lake Charles Civic Center at 7 p.m. Tickets $10 with children five and under admitted free of charge

Tuesday, February 21 th

Mardi Gras Day

Second Line Stroll Walking Parade, 1 p.m. Jeeps on Parade 2:00 p.m.

Motor Gras Parade 3:00 p.m.

Main Event (Krewe of Krewes Parade) 5:00 p.m. The Zone is a family-oriented, alcohol and tobacco free area for families to enjoy on Fat Tuesday in the parking lot between Pujo and Kirby Streets from 11:30 a.m. –3:30 p.m. complete with games, a live DJ, and refreshments.

Sulphur

Saturday, February 18 th

The Krewe of Cosmos: 72nd annual Mardi Gras pageant and presentati on or the 2023 Royal Court of Route 66. Krewe of Cosmos is the oldest krewe in Southwest Louisiana and has entertained the community, free of charge, since 1951. This year, an exciting trip is in store for all as “Cosmos Travels Route 66.” Festivities include live entertainment by the Krewe Jesters, throwing of beads by Merry Makers.

-Sulphur High School auditorium, 6 p.m.

Iowa

Saturday, February 18 th

Iowa Chicken Run, Mardi Gras Day: Doors open at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 503 E Hwy 90 at 8 a.m. followed by the parade line up at 9 a.m. and the parade rolling at 10 a.m. Following the parade, gumbo will be served from 2–4 p.m. with music provided by Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush at 5 p.m

Vinton

Saturday, February 11 th

Chicken Run and Trail Ride: Line up at 7 a.m. at Ted Lyon’s ballfield. Ride begins at 8 a.m.

Admission $15, ages 10 and under free. The Mardi Gras parade begins at 1p.m., starting at Vinton Middle School and running South down Horridge Street

For more information on these events, parade routes, additional Mardi Gras activities throughout Southwest Louisiana, and parade entry forms, log onto www.swlamardigras.com.

Jeff Davis Parish

Saturday, February 4 th

Welsh Mardi Gras Run & Parade: Downtown Welsh, Music begins 12 p.m., Parade rolls 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 11 th

Lake Arthur Mardi Gras & Parade: 9 a.m. Run begins from Lake Arthur Park, 2:30 p.m., Parade rolls down Arthur Ave.

Saturday, February 18 th

Jennings Mardi Gras Festival: Founders Park, 11 a.m.

Saturday, February 18 th

Elton Mardi Gras: The Stable, Parade & Entertainment to follow, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 18 th

Jennings Festival Association Annual Squeezebox Shootout: Founders Park on Main Street, 10 a.m.

Sunday, February 19 th

Hathaway Grand Marais Mardi Gras Run

Beauregard Parish

Saturday, February 11 th

Women’s League of DeRidder Mardi Gras Gala: Beauregard Parish Fair Grounds, 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 18 th

Louisiana Saturday Night Mardi Gras

Parade: DeRidder 5 p.m.

Saturday, February 18 th

Taste of Beauregard Battle for the Paddle

Gumbo CookOff: Outdoor Pavillion at Beaurgeard Parish Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.