Acadiana’s Family-Friendly Mardi Gras

Looking to partake in Mardi Gras festivities with your family and friends? Acadiana prides itself on offering Mardi Gras activities suitable for all ages!

If you would like to attend parades in the area, you can have peace of mind knowing that there are rules put in place to keep everyone safe as well as create a family-friendly atmosphere. For starters, absolutely no “flashing” (exposing oneself) is permitted at any of the parades.

Also, viewers are not allowed to throw items at float riders, carry glass containers, nor have items made with the sole purpose of producing a “popping” noise. Most of Lafayette parade routes are also lined with barricades to prevent injuries.

Traditional Cajun Mardi Gras festivities can be found in the smaller towns surrounding Lafayette. These traditions can include colorful costumes, parades with riders on horseback, chicken chases and singing and dancing for townspeople in an attempt to receive ingredients for a communal gumbo.

In addition to the parades and Cajun traditions, everyone is invited to “pass a good time” at the Festival de Mardi Gras held at Cajun Field with carnival rides, games, live music, and delicious food!

If you are looking to for a fun and safe Mardi Gras experience, come celebrate with us! Lafayette and its surrounding areas offer over 30 parades during Mardi Gras season.

For a full schedule and more information on the parades and other activities, visit http://www.mardigraslafayette.com/

By: Whitney Ross, Lafayette Native