Mardi Gras/Festivals

Festival Capital of Louisiana

(three or four day options - personal tour guide can be arranged for this tour)

Southwest Louisiana is world famous for its love of life and ability to throw a great party...and one of those parties is Mardi Gras, 2nd only to New Orleans. Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana has a colorful history dating back to 1882 when Momus, King of Mardi Gras, landed his royal yacht at the foot of Pujo Street in Lake Charles.

DAY ONE
Arrive and sample our atmosphere as we celebrate in the spirit of the muses of Justice, Power, and Faith - purple, gold and green. Thousands attend the local Mardi Gras each year for family fun. Enjoy the Krewe of Omega Parade, Cajun Extravaganza, Krewe of Barkus Parade (for dogs), Cajun dancing and more. Finish the evening at one of our many Cajun/seafood restaurants or try your luck at one of our Las Vegas style casinos.

DAY TWO
Children's Day, complete with carnival rides and a parade. In the evening, the seawall shines with a lighted boat parade. Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Charles while enjoying the sounds of Cajun and Zydeco music in the atmosphere. A reception, complete with Mardi Gras Revelers, can be arranged at the Mardi Gras museum, a six-room museum set up as a tribute to Mardi Gras, with the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the world. The rooms display the history of the festival, the Captain's Den, costume design, the history of King Cakes and the marvel of 12th night, January 6, each year. The museum is located in the historic Central School Arts & Humanities Center.

DAY THREE
Lundi Gras is celebrated on Monday with the Royal Gala. The gala is a unique opportunity no other area of the state offers. Kings and Queens and Royal Courts of past year promenade in regal attire. A private section can be arranged on the main level to ensure your group has a clear view of each royal costume. Also on Monday, a personal demonstration on how the costumes are constructed, along with a question and answer session with one of our own Mardi Gras kings can be arranged.

DAY FOUR - FAT TUESDAY / MARDI GRAS DAY
Krewes Parade that winds for four miles through Lake Charles - krewe floats, costumes, beads and excitement for your entire group. The newly formed Red Hat Society Parade kicks off the day. Your group can enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities with their own parade block party arranged by the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau. The block party includes a private roped off area for parade viewing, a personal visit from Gumbeaux Gator, our goodwill ambassador, a Cajun style buffet, beverages and a toe tapping Cajun/Zydeco band allowing your group to dance the night away.

For more information on group tours, accommodations and travel arrangements, contact Eric Zartler, sales director, at ezartler@visitlakecharles.org or call 800-456-7952.

Photo Credit: www.lindseyjanies.com