The city of Lafayette, Louisiana, is known for having some of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans. Whether you live in the area or plan to visit, there are so many things to do and plan for during the event. Here are some things to consider when it comes to going to the Mardi Gras celebration in Lafayette.
Fat Tuesday
Mardi Gras takes place each year on Fat Tuesday, which is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This year, Fat Tuesday is on Feb. 25, 2020. However, many parades kick off the carnival season starting as early as January.
Many Parades
There are many Mardi Gras parades scheduled for the Lafayette Parish in 2020. The events start on Valentine’s Day, when the Krewe de Canailles Walking Parade takes place in downtown Lafayette starting at 6:30 p.m. On Feb. 15, there are three parades scheduled throughout the day. There are other parades scheduled throughout the month. It is easy to attend more than one parade. In some cases, you can attend more than one on the same day.
Kids Welcome
There are many kid-friendly Mardi Gras events scheduled to take place in Lafayette. In particular, the Children’s Parade is scheduled on Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. beginning in the downtown area to and in ending at Cajun Field. Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette is scheduled from Feb. 21 to Feb. 25. During the event, there will be live music, food vendors, parades, rides, and games. Many families look forward to attending the event together.
Dance at the Balls
This season, there are two balls already scheduled. On Feb. 22, the Krewe of Triton Mardi Gras Ball will happen at the Cajundome. The annual ball has a fun and competitive spirit. On Feb. 25, the Southwest Mardi Gras Association Pageant & Ball is at the Heymann Performing Arts Center and Frem F. Boustany Convention Center. You do not need to be a member of any particular Krewe to participate in these events.
Free to Attend
The various Krewes and their members work with government agencies and services, including police and fire departments, to organize these parades and festivities. Nearly all of the events and parades are free to attend, although you may need to pay separately for food, rides, or carnival games. If you have any questions about the particular parade that you plan to go to, it is a good idea to check with the Krewe that is sponsoring the event directly. They will have the best idea of what they are planning for the day of the event.
Mardi Gras celebrations are a fun way to engage in the Louisana heritage. You can plan to go to Lafayette Mardi Gras each year as part of your family traditions. It has a reputation for being one of the biggest and best outside of the city of New Orleans. Even if you plan to attend Fat Tuesday in New Orleans, it is worthwhile to check out one of these events.
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