How to Enjoy Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana
Southwest Louisiana has a long history of observing Mardi Gras. In fact, the earliest celebration recorded here can be traced back more than 140 years – and since then, the festivities have only multiplied. Whether you are a seasoned resident or first-time visitor, here are a few things you need to explore next season during Mardi Gras in Lake Charles, LA, and the communities of Southwest Louisiana.
Popular Events During Mardi Gras
The region’s Mardi Gras season begins in early November with the Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana Queens Pageant, which is held at the Lake Charles Event Center. The contest is held in November so the winners can make several promotional appearances prior to the day. Winners are crowned in teen, junior miss and miss categories.
Started in 1970, the Krewe of Omega was designed to bring Mardi Gras activities to the Black community. It is the first and oldest krewe (a social organization) in the region to hold its own parade – the Krewe of Omega Parade. The parade is held each year on the Saturday prior to Mardi Gras.
The annual Lighted Boat Parade is true to its name – it consists of boats decorated with colorful beads and bright lights. Held along the shores of Lake Charles, the event begins after sunset a few nights before Mardi Gras.
Parade of Paws
One of the most highly attended parades during Mardi Gras is the Krewe of Barkus Parade. Held in Lake Charles, it features costumed pets and their owners. The title of “Mystical Dog” goes to the pet with the craziest costume.
Local businesses customize their own floats with bright lights and wild decorations to participate in the annual Merchants’ Parade. It begins at the Lake Charles Event Center and always occurs at night.
The Children’s Mardi Gras Stroll is a walking parade for children ages 3-12, where kids are encouraged to show off their Mardi Gras spirit and decorated umbrellas. The public is invited to watch, and local marching bands provide the kiddos with marching beats. The event also includes food trucks.
More than 60 krewes and about 100 floats make up the Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade, which is the culmination of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles. Thousands of beads, doubloons and other items are tossed to the crowd. The parade begins at 5 p.m.
Restaurants, stores, offices and government entities come together during the Mardi Gras season to host the annual Downtown Mardi Gras Block Party. Organized by the Lake Charles Downtown Business Association, the event is held from noon until 8 p.m. and is full of fun for all attendees.
Delicious Dishes
Several SWLA bakeries and restaurants celebrate the season by offering King Cake, a blend of coffee cake and cinnamon rolls topped with yellow, green and purple icing – the colors of Mardi Gras. The name originates from the Bible story of the three kings who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
The Lake Charles Event Center hosts an annual Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-Off, with teams competing for prizes and prestige. Gumbo usually consists of a roux, celery, onions, bell peppers, a variety of delicious spices, and chicken and sausage, shrimp and crab, or all of the above.
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