When you think of Mardi Gras, New Orleans probably comes to mind, and for good reason. New Orleans is certainly the king of Mardi Gras, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world to experience all of the revelry and pageantry. But there’s another version of Mardi Gras that takes place in Cajun Country, and not too many people know of its existence. We’re talking about the history of Cajun Mardi Gras, and trust us… it’s nothing like your traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras. Let’s take a closer look!

Often called the Courir de Mardi Gras, Cajun Mardi Gras is an experience like no other.
Tee-Mamou Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival Facebook Page
It's nothing like New Orleans Mardi Gras. It might be even better! This holiday is special no matter how you celebrate, but it's great to get to know the different ways there are to mark this occasion.
Held in many Cajun communities all over Cajun Country, this is a celebration that’s hundreds of years old and built on many traditions.
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The celebration can be traced back to French medieval history and was brought to Louisiana in the 19th century.
To experience the Cajun Mardi Gras, you’ll definitely need a vibrant costume.
Tee-Mamou Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival Facebook Page
Borrowed from the French celebrations and known as Mamou Mardi Gras costumes, these unique outfits are meant to conceal the identities of participants. Anonymity is the name of the game here, and you’ll want to look the part.
Don’t forget your mask and capuchon.
Romain Beauxis/Wikimedia
The capuchon, or hat, is a tradition from years past that was originally intended to mock the hats worn by noblewomen. Today, they’re just another way to mask the identity of revelers.
No matter which town you visit, all of them will more or less follow the same basic traditions. First, the riders of Mardi Gras gather in a central meeting place.
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Le Capitaine, the leader of the Cajun Mardi Gras festivities, explains the rules and traditions that must be followed.

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Usually on horseback, Le Capitaine usually wears a cape and carries a flag.
Coffee Shop Soulja/Wikimedia
He leads his army house to house as the revelers beg the homeowners for food, as there’s a communal gumbo at the end of the day. There’s also a traditional song that the participants sing, called "La Danse de Mardi Gras" and "La Vieille Chanson de Mardi Gras." Each town may have a slightly different version of the song, but they’re all pretty much about the same thing: looking for food for that gumbo. You just know it's going to be delicious!
There’s a traditional song that the participants sing, called “La Danse de Mardi Gras” and “La Vieille Chanson de Mardi Gras.”
Herb Roe/Wikimedia
Each town may have a slightly different version of the song, but they’re all pretty much about the same thing: looking for food for that gumbo. You just know it's going to be delicious!
The last ingredient of the gumbo at Cajun Mardi Gras is arguably the center of the entire celebration, and that’s the chicken.
Tee-Mamou Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival Facebook Page
The chicken chase is quite the sight to see. Occasionally, a homeowner will release a chicken, and that's where the fun begins.
It's truly a spectacle.
Tee-Mamou Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival/Facebook
Revelers scramble around attempting to catch the chicken with their bare hands. And chickens are fast!
At the end of the day, you'll be rewarded with a big bowl of gumbo.
jc.winkler/Flickr
Its a delicious Louisiana staple and reward for all of your hard work.

Several towns around Cajun Country have their own Cajun Mardi Gras, including Eunice, Church Point, Mamou, and Iota. To learn more, check out this article from LouisianaTravel.com.

Have you ever experienced a Cajun Mardi Gras? How about any other Mardi Gras celebration in the state of Louisiana? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you’re still in the mood for more Louisiana adventures, take a look at this video about the Fontainebleu State Park Tour:

 

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Adventures in Louisiana

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | February 17, 2023

Where are some day trip ideas in Louisiana?

  • Swamp tours are great because they highlight the state’s bayous teeming with a variety of wildlife.
  • The Shreveport Aquarium features 3,000 sea animals including fish, octopus, sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays.
  • The Creole Nature Trail is a 180-mile All-American Road highlighting swamps, marshlands, and some 26 miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches.

Read on to learn more about other great day trip ideas in Louisiana.

 

Where can we find outdoor adventures in Louisiana?

  • Driskill Mountain features hiking trails and the summit is the highest in Louisiana at 535 feet.
  • Gators & Friends Exotic Animal Petting Zoo & Adventure Park in Greenwood features ziplines, a raceway, and go-kart track.
  • Tammany Trace is a 31-mile asphalt trail that goes through five different Louisiana cities, so you’ll get a little taste of each.

Read on to learn more about more outdoor adventures in Louisiana.

 

Where can we enjoy food festivals in Louisiana?

  • The State Fair of Louisiana in Shreveport is a foodie heaven.
  • The World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-off in Eunice celebrates one of the state’s most beloved dishes.
  • The Black Pot Festival in Lafayette celebrates Cajun culture and cooking with oodles of food, live music, and more.

Read on to learn more about the many scrumptious food festivals in Louisiana.

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