Mardi Gras in Lafayette
February 6-16, 2010

Mardi Gras Mystery & Magic
Just as the Cajuns and Creoles are known for their fabulous, spicy food, Cajun Country is known for the fabulous spice it adds to the Mardi Gras celebration. There you'll find the mystery of Mardi Gras blended with Cajun magic to cook up one of the most colorful and unique pre-Lenten celebrations in the world.

In Lafayette, you can celebrate Mardi Gras with parades and special events. Le Festival de Mardi Gras à Lafayette, held Mardi Gras weekend, features rides and games on the carnival midway, live bands on the sound stage, and a prime spot for parade viewing. The parades also roll through downtown Lafayette, where you can participate in a costume contest and dance in the streets to live Cajun and Zydeco music Mardi Gras day. While most balls are private affairs, Lafayette's Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association Pageant and Ball opens its pomp and splendor to the public free of charge Mardi Gras night.

The Courir de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras run) is Cajun Country's traditional rural celebration dating back to the earliest days of settlement. With its roots firmly in the medieval tradition of ceremonial begging, bands of masked and costumed horseback riders roam the countryside "begging" for ingredients for their communal gumbo. "Le Capitaine," a caped but unmasked captain, leads the riders from house to house where they dance and sing for donations such as chicken, sausage, rice and onions to be used in the gumbo. The day's festivities end with a fais-do-do (dance) and lots of gumbo for Mardi Gras revelers.

2010 Lafayette Mardi Gras Schedule
(schedule subject to change)

Jan 29
Krewe des Chiens People Ball
Krewe des Chiens Mardi Gras Ball (People Only) will feature a silent auction, music, and great food. All proceeds benefit the less fortunate animals in Acadiana.
a la carte, Lafayette
337-984-7620, www.paradefordogs.com 

Feb 5
Krewe of Carnivale en Rio: "A Rio Celebracao"
On Friday, February 5, 2010, the night before the Krewe of Carnivale en Rio's Brazilian Parada on February 6, 2010, the Krewe of Rio will "Party Downtown" in Lafayette's Parc Sans Souci.  The celebration will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m. with one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks display in Acadiana.  Music,  dance, and fireworks is incorporated into every aspect of the Rio Carnival in Brazil.  Acadiana is starting a tradition of its own !!!

Schedule of events: 
5:30-7:00 p.m.....Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers
7:00-7:30 p.m.....Opening Ceremonies
7:30-9:45 p.m.....Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin Cajuns
9:45-10:00 p.m...Fireworks Spectacular
www.kreweofrio.com

Feb 6
Krewe des Chiens Mardi Gras Dog Parade
Krewe members & their people parade & party to raise money for the less fortunate dogs of Acadiana. The parade lines up in front of the Public Library on Lafayette Street, travels in front of the Federal Courthouse, turns left on Vermilion and ends at Parc Sans Souci.
Downtown, Lafayette
Free to attend, $25 per dog to participate ($35 on parade day).
2 p.m.
www.paradefordogs.com

Krewe of Rio "Parada"
Annual Krewe parade, Brazilian style, with 22 colorful floats and area marching bands. Always held 10 days before Mardi Gras Day.
Parade to be led by Mrs. Louisiana 2009 Jennifer Armond.
Lafayette. 6:30 p.m.
337-233-2503/337-235-6906, www.kreweofrio.com 

Feb 7
Scott Mardi Gras
Acoustic Jam, Parade, Mardi Gras Dance, Cajun Mardi Chicken Chase, Consessions.
Scott. Free. Jam, 10 a.m.; Parade, 1 p.m.; Dance, 3 p.m.; Chicken Chase, 3 p.m.
337-269-5155, www.scottlouisiana.org

Feb 12-16
Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette
Live music grandstand featuring the best in local, regional and national talent, gigantic midway and food. Mardi Gras parades pass through fairgrounds. (See below for performers and wristband specials).
Cajun Field, Lafayette
Admission is free. Parking $10.
www.gomardigras.com

Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette
Schedule:
Friday, Feb 12
Midway Open: 5 p.m.-midnight. Pay One Price 5-11 p.m., $25.
Stage:
6 p.m.: Corey Ledet
8:30 p.m.: Jason Michael Carroll
10 p.m.: Travis Matte

Saturday, Feb 13
Midway Open: Noon-Midnight.
Stage:
1:30 p.m.: Full Circle
3:30 p.m.: Sean Vidrine & da Classics & Charlo
6 p.m.: Leon Chavis
8:30 p.m.: Bag of Donuts
10:30 p.m.: Jamie Bergeron

Sunday, Feb 14
Midway Open: Noon-Midnight. Ride Survivor: Pay One Price noon-11 p.m., $25.
Stage:
1 p.m. : Gospel Hour
2 p.m.: Biscuit Hound
3:30 p.m. : Nik L Beer
6 p.m. : Black Bayou Konstruct
9:30 p.m. : Cowboy Mouth

Monday, Feb 15
Midway Open: Noon-Midnight. Family Fun Day: Pay One Price noon-6 p.m., $25.
Stage:
2 p.m. : Louisiana Kids
3:30 p.m. : T Broussard & Zydeco Steppers
5:30 p.m. : DJ Rex Broussard
6 p.m. : 5th Avenue
8 p.m. : Jaicko
8:30 p.m. : Uncle Kracker
10:30 p.m. :  Wayne Toups

Tuesday,  Feb 16
Midway Open: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Stage:
11 a.m. : Kira Viator
1:30 p.m. : Lafayette's Bayou Boys
4 p.m. : Louisiana Red

Feb 12
Friday Night Parade
6:30 p.m.
www.gomardigras.com

Feb 13
Carencro Mardi Gras Parade
The Carencro Mardi Gras Parade is held each year on the Saturday before Mardi Gras. The parade travels north on University to Debutant Rd. in Carencro.The Parade is sponsored by the Carencro Mardi Gras Association.
Carencro H.S. to Debutant Rd., Carencro. Free. 11 a.m.
337-896-4147

Children's Parade
Mardi Gras parade featuring Lafayette's children's krewes.
Lafayette. 12:30 p.m.
www.gomardigras.com

Youngsville Mardi Gras Parade
Starts at the Public Works building and ends at Fountain View.
Youngsville. 1 p.m.
337-856-4181

Krewe of Bonaparte Mardi Gras Parade
6:30 p.m.
www.gomardigras.com

Feb 15
Queen's Parade
Mardi Gras parade honoring the Southwest Mardi Gras Association's Queen Evangeline.
Lafayette. 6 p.m.
www.gomardigras.com

Feb 16 - Mardi Gras Day!
King's Court at Mardi Gras
Food, fun and family entertainment with live music and costume contest right on the parade route in downtown Lafayette.
Corner of Polk & Vermilion, Lafayette. Free. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
337-291-5566, www.downtownlafayette.org

King's Parade
Mardi Gras parade honoring King Gabriel, reigning royalty for the Southwest Mardi Gras Association.
Lafayette, 10 a.m.
www.gomardigras.com

Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade
Mardi Gras parade honoring King Toussaint L'Ouverture and Queen Suzanne Simone.
Lafayette. 1 p.m.
www.Lafayette.Travel

Independent Parade
Sponsored by KADN Fox 15/KLAF UPN TV
Lafayette. Free. 2 p.m.
www.gomardigras.com

The Mardi Gras Show at Clark Field
Zydeco music is live! A wonderful family setting in the heart and birth place of the Mardi Gras Kingdom. It is quite an invigorating and inspirational experience, to touch, dance and take pictures with Queen Dolly and the members of the Mardi Gras Kingdom Clark Field Stadium, Lafayette
$3/Adults; 12 years & under free. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
www.mardigrasshow.com

Greater Southwest La. Mardi Gras Ball & Pageant
A pageant and ball marking the end of the Mardi Gras Season.
Heymann Performing Arts Center, Lafayette
Free. Tickets at Heymann Center Box Office.
Pageant: 8-9:30 p.m.; Ball: 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
337-291-5540, www.heymann-center.com, www.gomardigras.com


Lafayette Parade Map:

Click Here for a printable PDF version of the map. Adobe Acrobat Reader required.




Around Acadiana

Jan 15 - Feb 18
Zam's Mardi Gras Exhibit
Exhibit of Mardi Gras costumes and customs in Southwest Louisiana.
Zigler Museum, Jennings
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 1-4 p.m.
337-824-0114, zigler-museum@charter.net

Jan 30
Gueydan Mardi Gras Run
Traditional Mardi Gras run with a parade and fais-do-do following. Courir de Mardi Gras 9 a.m., Parade and music 3 p.m.-midnight.
Gueydan. $10
337-536-6456, www.duckfestival.org

Feb 5
Andalusia Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras Parade with marching bands, dance groups, Mardi Gras Royalty and Grand Marshal.
Main Street, New Iberia. 6 p.m.
337-367-6466/337-367-2526, www.iberiatravel.com 

Feb 6
Rotary Club Mardi Gras Ball
Cade Civic Center, St. Martinville
337-394-9726, info@stmartinville.org 

Lake Arthur Mardi Gras Parade
Lots of floats and beads. There will be cash prizes for different categories. Chicken throw in park after parade for the children.
Lake Arthur. 2 p.m.
337-774-3675/337-774-2211, jobenoit@bellsouth.net 

Feb 7
Krewe of Ezana Jeanerette Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras parade, with marching bands, dance groups, and Mardi Gras royalty.
Canal & Main Street, Jeanerette. 1 p.m.
337-276-4387, www.iberiatravel.com

Feb 12-14
49th Courir de Mardi Gras
Fri. - Gumbo cook-off, Sat. - Children's Run & Children's Parade, Sun. - Adult Run & Courir de Mardi Gras Parade, Carnival & live entertainment each day.
1036 E. Ebey St. Courir departs & on Main St., Church Point
Fri. 4:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat. 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun. 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
337-349-0618/877-783-2109, www.churchpointmardigras.com 

Feb 13
Les Jeunes Mardi Gras Run
Young adults ages 13-17 leave at 9 a.m. to participate in a traditional Courir de Mardi Gras with horseback riding and chicken chases and return to parade down 2nd Street at 3 p.m. Costumes required. Held annually the Saturday before Mardi Gras.
National Guard Armory, 9th Street, Eunice
8 a.m. - Registration begins
337-457-7389, www.eunice-la.com 

Mardi Gras Street Dance
A Jam session kicks off in the morning at 10 a.m. and live music and dancing continues all day into the evening! Don't forget a speical Rendez-vous Des Cajuns Show at the Liberty that night at 6 p.m. Held annually the Saturday before Mardi Gras.
Downtown, Eunice. 10 a.m. - until
337-457-7389, www.eunice-la.com 

La Grande Boucherie des Cajuns
Cajun bands, arts & crafts, food, fun, refreshments and much more. Butchering of the Pig and Squeal like a Pig Contest. Held annually on the Saturday before Mardi Gras.
Magnolia Park, St. Martinville. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
337-394-2233, www.cajuncountry.org/boucherie 

Jennings Mardi Gras Festival & Parade
Activities being in Founders Park on Main St. at 10:30 a.m. Great food and live music on stage. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on N. Main. Immediately following music by T-Broussard.
Main St., Jennings
Activities begin at 10:30 a.m.; Parade at 4:30 p.m.
337-821-5532, www.cityofjennings.com 

Lake Fausse Pointe Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras parade with marching bands, dance groups and Mardi Gras Royalty.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, 5400 Levee Rd., St. Martinville. 2 p.m.
337-229-4764, www.lastateparks.com 

Feb 14
Eunice "Lil' Mardi Gras" (ages 0-12)
Youngsters leave at 9 a.m. to participate in a traditional Courir de Mardi Gras and return to parade down 2nd Street at 3 p.m. Costumes required. Held annually the Sunday before Mardi Gras.
Northwest Community Center, Samuel Drive, Eunice
8 a.m. - Registration begins
337-457-7389, www.eunice-la.com 

Old Time Boucherie
Experience an old time tradition and sample some of the best food around. Live music, food and dancing! Held annually the Sunday before Mardi Gras.
City Hall, 300 South 2nd Street, Eunice. 10 a.m.-til.
337-457-7389, www.eunice-la.com 

Newcomer's Mardi Gras Parade
Starts at St. Martinville Sr. High ending at Main and Denier St. Held annually the Sunday before Mardi Gras.
Main St., St. Martinville. 1 p.m.
337-380-6031, www.stmartinville.org

Feb 14-16
10th Carnival D'Acadie
A Carnival celebration with live music entertainment, carnival rides, street dancing, festival foods, with a traditional parade featuring bands, floats and plenty of beads.
Downtown, Crowley
Sun. 2-10 p.m.; Mon. 3-11 p.m.; Tues. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
337-783-0824/877-783-2109, www.crowley-la.com

Feb 15
Lundi Gras Street Dance
Cajun bands play for a free street dance on Mardi Gras Eve! Live jam session also takes place!
Downtown Historic, Eunice. 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
337-457-7389, www.eunice-la.com 

Feb 16 - Mardi Gras Day!
Mamou Mardi Gras
Cajun-style celebration with costumed men on horseback chasing chickens and collecting food items for the town's communal gumbo. Largest Cajun concert and dance.
Downtown. Mamou. 8 a.m.-until.
337-468-3105, villep001@centurytel.net 

Eunice Courir de Mardi Gras
The Courir departs from the National Guard Armory at 8 am and things kick off downtown at 10 am with live music on Main Stage. 3 pm Truck Parade and Courir Return. A children's walking parade & a chicken chase will also take place. Held annually on Marid Gras day!
National Guard Armory & Downtown, Eunice
Courir, 8 a.m.; Festival, 10 a.m.
337-457-7389, www.eunice-la.com 

Tee Mamou-Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival
A Cajun Prairie Mardi Gras with live Cajun and Zydeco music all day. Traditional Cajun food served and Cajun crafts are displayed and sold. A Mardi Gras Parade.
Downtown, Iota. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
337-779-2226/877-783-2109, www.iotamardigras.com 

Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras parade, w/ marching bands, dance groups, Mardi Gras Royalty.
Hwy. 90 E. at College Rd., Jeanerette. 11 a.m.
337-365-8185, www.iberiatravel.com 

Half Fast Krewe of Frank's Mardi Gras Parade
Families and friends join in spirit of Mardi Gras as it rolls down East Landry Street and back up Bellevue Street to Frank's Bar. Held annually on Mardi Gras day.
East Landry St. in front of St. Landry Parish Courthouse, Opelousas
9:30 a.m.-Parade line-up begins, 11 a.m.-Parade begins.
337-407-2288

Opelousas Mardi Gras Celebration
Enjoy Mardi Gras festivities & live Zydeco/Cajun music following the Frank's Mardi Gras Parade.
Downtown, Court Street, Opelousas. 12-5 p.m.
337-948-5227, www.cityofopelousas.com

Krewe of Coteau Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras parade, with marching bands, dance groups, Mardi Gras Royalty.
Francis Romero Memorial Park & LA 88, Coteau. 1 p.m.
337-380-2449, www.iberiatravel.com

Krewe Chic-a-la-pie Mardi Gras Parade
Old-fashioned, family-style Mardi Gras parade that rolls through the streets of downtown Kaplan. Held annually on Mardi Gras day.
Downtown, Kaplan. 2 p.m.
337-643-6554, www.MostCajun.com 

Family Affair Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras parade with marching bands, dance groups, and Mardi Gras Royalty.
Main Street, Loreauville. 2 p.m.
337-229-4072/337-991-0425, www.iberiatravel.com 

 
Upcoming Mardi Gras Dates:

Tips for watching Mardi Gras parades from The Daily Advertiser:

• Go early to pick your spot along the route.
  Bring plenty of water.
• Never run in front of a float to catch throws.
  Don't attempt to cross the street while a parade is in progress.
• Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• Be careful where you park - some streets are off-limits during parade season.
• Know where the restrooms are located.
  Make friends with people along the parade route who might open a bathroom to you.
• Have fun, but realize that lewd behavior or drunkenness can get you arrested.
• Don't throw things at the float riders.
• Don't hang on with a vengeance if you jointly catch a string of beads with the person standing next to you. First, you'll probably break the beads. Second, it's nice to be nice.

Safety tips for families from The Daily Advertiser:

• Keep an eye on children. Don't let them wander off in search of beads.
• Sew or pin your child's name, the name and telephone number of someone who is at home, and your cell phone number inside the child's clothing in case he or she gets separated from you.
• Stay behind barricades along the parade route and don't tilt children over them to retrieve beads.
• Don't drink and drive.
• Remember the celebration is a fun, family affair. Don't take the struggle for beads too seriously.
• Some items are prohibited along the parade route:
  • Weapons
  • Fireworks
  • Bicycles
  • Glass containers
  • Pets