How to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette, Louisiana has become home to one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the South, eclipsed only by those held in Mobile and New Orleans. Lafayette draws over one million visitors during Mardi Gras, but since it is a smaller city, the celebration is much more personal and intimate. In recent years, Mardi Gras has grown into a five-day event in Lafayette, making it the perfect place to celebrate. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Celebrate Carnival in Lafayette
-
1
Head to the parade route early. In the hours leading up to a parade you'll find the streets begin to clog and fill, so the sooner you head to the parade route the better. A good rule of thumb, especially on Mardi Gras itself, is to go at least two hours early.
-
2
Head to one of the sponsored Mardi Gras events. Many Mardi Gras parties and dances are sponsored by local television and radio stations, which helps to reduce the cost of the ticket. Some are even free.
-
-
3
Visit Magnolia City Park to enjoy the La Grande Boucherie des Cajuns. La Grande Boucherie des Cajuns features live zydeco and Cajun music, as well as food and family-friendly games and events.
-
4
Take your children to the Children's Parade, usually held on the Saturday prior to Mardi Gras. The children's parade is family friendly and features favorite cartoon characters in costume as well as plenty of food and music for kids.
-
5
Join a costume contest held during one of the many parades. Costume contests are predominantly for younger parade goers, but there are also costume contests for adults. Categories for costumes range from Most Comic to Best Couple, and prizes can be anything from money to terrific gifts. Pre-registration and an entry fee are often required.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Combine a trip to Lafayette, Louisiana with a visit to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras there as well. Lafayette is just over 100 miles from New Orleans, and you can enjoy two different Mardi Gras celebrations in the same season.
Walk to the parade route whenever possible. Parking can be a nightmare during Mardi Gras.
Book travel and accommodations early. Because Lafayette is a smaller city, it tends to fill up well in advance, and prices for accommodations can skyrocket in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras.
