Before Ash Wednesday, before Lent, before all of the sacrificing and fasting that these times call for… there’s Mardi Gras. And Mardi Gras season along the Bayou is a time for feasting and fun! It’s the time to “live it up” before having to “give it up.” Along Bayou Lafourche, Cajuns celebrate Mardi Gras with many traditions that highlight their vibrant culture while creating an atmosphere like no other. Here are our top 5 reasons why you don’t want to miss Mardi Gras on the Bayou:
1. King Cake Galore
What’s a Mardi Gras celebration without King Cake? There really is none. But, forget what you’ve heard about traditional King Cakes because we do it a little differently on the Bayou. Whether it’s King Cake Beignets at Spahr’s Seafood Restaurant or Mudbug Brewery’s delicious King Cake Ale (a locally brewed beer with a King Cake twist), you can enjoy King Cake many different ways while celebrating Mardi. Looking for a more traditional King Cake? Not a problem! You can find our local bakeries here.
2. Feasting and Fun
Don’t stress about packing a sandwich or a bag of chips! The Bayou has you covered. Here, you’ll witness a true Bayou-style parade including streets lined up with barbecue pits and boiling pots of seafood, all made for the sole purpose of feeding parade goers. Hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage and crawfish just to satisfy your delight! The atmosphere is full of the delicious smells and the sound of the best dancing music. There’s no better way to celebrate the Mardi Gras season than with the best food and the best music to create the best time!
3. True Family-Friendly Fun
When we celebrate Mardi Gras, it’s a party fit for everyone! Whether it’s a family-friendly environment to enjoy the beautiful floats and throws, or the vibrant life of the Downtown areas, there’s always a place for every parade goer on the Bayou. And forget the idea of the massive, overwhelming crowds of larger cities. We make room for everyone to have access to the beautifully decorated Mardi Gras floats. Being only a few people away from the parade route, you’ll be sure to fill up your bag with plenty of your favorite Mardi Gras throws!
4. The People
These parades are where the locals go. Forget not knowing anybody, because here everyone knows EVERYBODY! You’ll find generations all attending the parades together. Granny will be rocking on the porch with a baby waiting to watch Momma pass on a float. Everyone is there to greet you with a big smile and a grand-ole time! Even if you had to travel here, we’ll get to know you and welcome you in. We’re all friends and family along the Bayou, so don’t be surprised if a complete stranger offers you a burger, a beer or a place to watch the parade.
5. Our Unique Routes (aka where you watch the Parades)
Whether you find yourself “Up da Bayou” or “Down da Bayou”, there’s something special about our parades. If you think you missed anyone along the route, don’t panic! The Bayou provides routes that are within blocks of one another. So mark your spot and catch the driver’s side, then cross on over a few blocks to catch the passenger side fun. It’s double the fun and double the experience!
So come visit us on Bayou Lafourche for Mardi Gras! Carnival Season 2016 started on January 6th and runs through Mardi Gras day on February 9th.