Mardi Gras in the Swamp

The joys of the Mardi Gras season are definitely not a secret in the U.S. With countless tourists flocking to South Louisiana to partake in the largest party of the year, Mardi Gras has become a tradition that will always be remembered and laissez les bon temps rouler might as well be English. But the Mardi Gras festivities look a little different in a slightly different region of Louisiana, known as Cajun Country. So let’s take a tour of this version of Carnival that takes place throughout Acadiana.

First stop is the Courir de Mardi Gras. Rooted in French medieval history (imagine that), this tradition is commonly referred to as the real Mardi Gras. The end result is a delicious communal pot of gumbo. Led by the capitain, participants are dressed in costumes and masked up to travel from town to town on horseback, begging (singing and dancing) for the ingredients to cook up the communal gumbo. The final ingredient needed is the chicken, and these partygoers sure know how to catch one. Yes, we said to catch one. In order to complete the gumbo, participants must catch the chicken to complete the day with a fais do do.

Right down the street from this extremely entertaining event are the vibrant and creative costumes that most participants traditionally don. Also included in the previous stop is the opportunity to taste authentic cooking and listen to traditional Mardi Gras songs.

Just like every good tour will pass by Main Street, our tour must touch on the food and family fun surrounding the Mardi Gras season. From the local cuisine that can be found in each town to the countless parades that will make it rain plastic, colorful beads.

No matter where you celebrate, Acadiana or New Orleans, it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without libations. If you find yourself in the Acadiana area, as we hope you do, Turtle’s Bar offers delicious mixed drinks with serene views of the local swamp. See you here!