Celebrate Mardi Gras in Lake Charles
Mardi Gras is back in full swing! Luckily for Houstonians, we can pack up our cars and head to Lake Charles for an authentic Cajun celebration. So soak up the culture, dine on mouthwatering delicacies, tee off at top-tier golf courses, stay at luxurious casino resorts, and catch live music – are you convinced yet?
This ultimate getaway is only a two-hour drive away!
CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS IN STYLE
As the President of Southwest
Louisiana Mardi Gras and its gover-ning agency, Craig Guillory has involved himself in the annual celebration for over 35 years. Born and raised in Lake Charles, he is also the captain of the Krewe Chetu Jadi – which is Swahili for “of our ancestors.”
Although Mardi Gras 2023 is already underway, many main attractions kick off on Friday, February 17th, and stay strong throughout the weekend, culminating with Fat Tuesday on February 21st. Here are some events to check out while in town:
Mardi Gras Merchant’s Parade
7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17th
This parade spearheads Friday night with a run down Ryan Street. Any business, school organization, or politician is welcome to enter. “For the Merchant’s Parade, we usually average anywhere from 45 to 75 entries,” Guillory says.
World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off
8 a.m-2 p.m. on Saturday, February 18th
A whopping 65 different teams competed in the last throw-down, split between two distinct categories: 1) Chicken & Sausage and 2) Wild Game. So, get ready to sample tastes from dozens of different gumbo pots!
Krewe of Barkus Parade
1 p.m. on Saturday, February 18th
The local radio station puts on this dog parade, which usually features about 200-300 dressed-up dogs, with one triumphant canine receiving the “Mystical Dog” title!
Mardi Gras Children’s Day Parade
3:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 19th
This parade is one of the longest and most well-attended parades leading up to Mardi Gras Day! Here, children of Mardi Gras Krewe members participate as well as kids’ organizations and businesses geared toward the youth.
Mardi Gras Royal Gala
7 p.m. on Monday, February 20th
Step into a fairytale and experience this magical night with an elegant promenade of more than 60 krewes’ royalty in extravagant, glittering costumes before thousands of residents and visitors at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum.
Iowa Chicken Run
10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21st
The Iowa Chicken Run parade stops and performs Zydeco music in front of various houses to collect ingredients that eventually go into a gumbo for consumption that afternoon. At different points, the captain hurls chickens into the air for kids to catch. The family of the late great Zydeco musician Boozoo Chavis initially put on this event to honor his legacy. “Boozoo and my dad were friends,” Guillory says, showcasing his deep roots in the area.
Jeeps on Parade
2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21st
On Fat Tuesday, another parade kicks off in the afternoon! Jeep lovers gather to roll their much-loved vehicles down Ryan Street.
Main Event
(Krewe of Krewes’ Parade)
5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21st
If you can make it to only one parade this year, this is the one you will want to attend! With over 60 krewes and more than 100 elaborate floats, this electric parade will travel through four miles of Lake Charles, tossing thousands of beads, cups, doubloons, and other fun items to cheering crowds. The route begins at the north end of Bord du Lac Drive, crosses over Lakeshore Drive onto West Mill Street, turns right onto Ryan Street, and continues south on Ryan to Sale Road, where the parades will end.
One crucial detail distinguishing Mardi Gras Lake Charles – compared to other places – is how approachable the celebration is as a family attraction. “We may be smaller than New Orleans, but we have a lot of family-oriented events,” Guillory says. “It’s not the all-out party in the street that’s just for adults.”
Guillory points out that Mardi Gras is an event where many attendees dress up. You can take it easy by simply wearing festive Mardi Gras colors like purple, green, and gold. Or you can go all out with a mask, beads, a colorful wig, or a jester hat. Get creative and decorate any of these items with as much sequins, glitter, or feathers as you’d like!
To learn about these events and all other festivities leading up to Mardi Gras Day, check out www.swlamardigras.com
HEAD TO THE LOCAL BAKERIES FOR KING CAKE
If you’re a king cake snob who has already tried the good stuff, going back to the grocery store version will not suffice. Visiting Lake Charles, we’ll warn you that The Bekery is a little
“We may be smaller than New Orleans, but we have a lot of family-oriented events.” - Craig Guillory
addicting. When you first lay eyes on this little gem, it has all the charm of a French Bistro design, as the pleasing aroma of fresh bread, pastries, and espresso greets you at the door.
The owner behind the masterful confections at The Bekery finds most of her inspiration from time spent exploring cafes and coffee shops throughout Europe. “There was such a romance about them all, and I wanted to bring that feeling to Lake Charles,” Hoffpauir says. “We aim for that old world aroma with home-cooked taste,” citing a couple of popular menu staples like buttery croissants and their briochecrust quiche with a light and airy custard mixture.
The Bekery offers special king cakes in traditional large sizes and personalized “mini” versions for Mardi Gras. Another noteworthy thing they do this time of year is making “Galettes des Rois,” a classic French king cake with puff pastry and a rum/ almond filling. “It is not traditionally sweet like the King Cake we see everywhere,” Hoffpauir explains. “It is buttery, flaky, and melts in your mouth…one of my favorite things to enjoy during the Mardi Gras season.”
Other Lake Charles treasured bakeries include Pronia’s Deli and Bakery, a blend of Cajun and Italian cuisine specializing in homemade sweets from cookies to cupcakes. Also, Delicious Donuts on Country Club Road offers over 18 unique flavors of king cake, as well as savory kolaches filled with crawfish and shrimp.
View the King Cake Guide at swlamardigras.com and navigate your way through king cake-flavored treats throughout your stay!