Throw Me Something, Mister! Your Family's Guide to Mardi Gras Magic on Bayou Lafourche
Laissez les bons temps rouler! If you're searching for a Mardi Gras celebration that offers all the dazzling tradition of Carnival with an extra-large serving of genuine, down-home Southern charm, look no further than Lafourche Parish. Deep in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, the celebration officially begins not with a float, but with a slice of pure joy! The sweet, colorful kickoff to the season is the famous Louisiana King Cake Festival held right in Downtown Thibodaux on January 31. This beloved event holds the special distinction of being the only official king cake festival in the entire state, making it the essential gathering spot to sample all the flavors, enjoy live music and officially mark the start of the joyous season.
More than just a sweet treat, the festival is a celebration for a good cause: it is hosted by the Lafourche Education Foundation, with proceeds helping parish public school teachers and students get the supplies they need.
Once the king cake is officially sliced and the thousands (yes—we mean thousands) of sweet crumbs have been cleared, the parade season begins its spectacular roll! Lafourche Parish truly transforms, proudly hosting an incredible 15 different parades each year, traveling up and down the historic curves of Bayou Lafourche. While larger cities may dominate the headlines, our local celebrations focus on a wonderfully personal and truly family-friendly environment. You’ll find all the grand pomp and circumstance—the bold floats and the exciting shower of throws—but the smaller crowd size allows for a more intimate experience. Here, you don't fight massive crowds; you share smiles and shouts with the krewes as they pass by. You can experience the energy of krewes like Shaka and Ambrosia in Thibodaux, or the festive community spirit of the Krewe of Apollo in Lockport, all contributing to an atmosphere where everyone feels like a neighbor.
The sheer diversity of our parades ensures there’s a captivating spectacle for every member of the family, whether you are a seasoned reveler or experiencing your very first carnival. We proudly feature classic, traditional parades like the Krewe of Chronos and the Krewe of Cleophas, complete with magnificent, tiered floats and copious amounts of throws that soar into the air.
But we also embrace the wonderfully unique spirit of the bayou with one-of-a-kind events held in our smaller towns, such as the fun-filled Krewe Des Couyons golf cart parade, which is often found rolling through Golden Meadow. Our calendar is packed with parades in communities all across the parish, from Thibodaux to Chackbay and Gheens, offering both brilliant, sunny day parades and the illuminated spectacle of our thrilling night parades.
So, if your family is searching for an authentically Cajun Mardi Gras adventure where the throws are plentiful, the crowds are manageable and the experience is focused on community, mark your calendar for a trip to Lafourche Parish. It's an opportunity to create cherished, close-up memories and connect with the heart of Louisiana’s carnival season. Keep an eye on our calendar for the specific routes and times for our fantastic floats this season!
For the FULL Parade Schedule, visit the link here: www.lacajunbayou.com/calendar-of-events/mardi-gras
