FAQs
Check out our Mardi Gras Guide here to learn more about parade routes, parking, Mardi Gras…
Your browser is not supported for this experience.
We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
Mardi Gras of Imperial Calcasieu celebration begins January 6 with the annual Twelfth Night Revelry. The entire community, along with anyone who might wish to sample our Southwest Louisiana atmosphere during the most exciting season, is encouraged to come out and join in the merriment of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras weekend kicks off on the Friday before Mardi Gras day with the Merchants' Parade, and the weekend holds all sorts of fun from gumbo cook-offs to Cajun food and music, Children's activities, various parades, and the grand finale are The Main Event on Mardi Gras day.
Lake Charles is also the only place in the state where the public is invited to see the ornate costumes of the royal courts from all local krewes in one place, both at the Twelfth Night evening, usually held on January 6 each year, as well as the Royal Gala, held the evening before Mardi Gras day. It's a nominal fee that gets the public in the door, and jeans are the comfort clothes of choice for these presentations! Also, at the Twelfth Night presentation of courts, each person walking in the door gets a piece of King Cake, and grand prizes are given out to lucky patrons.
Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana has a colorful history dating back to the earliest recorded Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, February 21, 1882, when Momus, King of Mardi Gras, landed his royal yacht at the foot of Pujo Street. After this event, Mardi Gras was celebrated in a spirit that included Mardi Gras "runs" in Lake Charles and surrounding areas.
With the onset of a World War, this joyous occasion went "underground" for many years and was almost forgotten by the generations that had not experienced the festivities of the Mardi Gras season firsthand. However, there were a few that wanted to keep this tradition alive, and the first Mardi Gras Ball in this area was staged in 1964.
Mardi Gras did not experience a full revival in Lake Charles until 1979 when several Krewe captains formed the "Krewe of Krewes" with the prime purpose of parading and promoting Mardi Gras for the Southwest Louisiana area. Just six years later in 1985, Mardi Gras of Imperial Calcasieu, Inc. was formed by a group of civic-minded volunteers, further enhancing and enlarging the modern-day Mardi Gras celebration.
In Lake Charles, you can experience lavish costumes and the big city pageantry of Mardi Gras along with a family-friendly feel. In fact, there is a whole day dedicated to children and family activities during the celebration, and parade routes are filled with families lining the streets, so that makes Mardi Gras in Lake Charles a unique place to experience Carnival.
Check out our Mardi Gras Guide here to learn more about parade routes, parking, Mardi Gras…
Feathers, fabulous frocks and the fais-do-do can only mean one thing - it's Mardi Gras time…
A krewe is any group or organization of revelers to band together to host a Mardi Gras ball…
From A to Z, take a look at this quick reference for phraseology, definitions, and cultural…
King Cake is a staple of Mardi Gras season. Traditionally, all agree that the cake must be…
What better way to enjoy Mardi Gras than to be a part of it! Wanting to sponsor an event, form…