Mardi Gras in Louisiana
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Mardi Gras in Louisiana 20227 nightsFrom £1275 per person
Price includes: Flights, accommodation and car hire
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of ‘Boeuf Gras’ or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies. America’s very first Mardi Gras was celebrated in 1703 in the tiny settlement of Mobile and from then on Mardi Gras celebrations developed throughout the region. New Orleans is the most famous with its glamorous processions and floats which are arranged by a number of privately funded organisations called Krewes. A tour through Louisiana taking in some of the smaller Mardi Gras Celebrations culminating in New Orleans is a great way to enjoy a trip through Louisiana. The exact parade details for 2022 are provisional and will be updated when confirmed.
24 February: Fly from the UK to Baton Rouge (via a gateway city)
On arrival collect your hire. Spend two nights in Baton Rouge.
From a hot culinary scene to live music, Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital city offers a unique experience. Politics is deeply entwined in the culture of Baton Rouge; it can be found both in the storied past of local dealmakers, showcased at the Old Louisiana State Capitol, and in the political history that is being written now inside the art deco skyscraper that serves as the current capitol. A revival is underway in the city centre where attractions range from a riverfront casino to the ultra-contemporary Shaw Centre for the Arts, which clusters an art museum, gallery spaces, theatres and restaurants in the heart of downtown.
25 February:
Baton Rouge’s Mardi Gras Festival kicks off tonight with a family-friendly evening parade – huge floats, marching bands, costumes, lights and much more!
26 February:
Take in Baton Rouge’s Spanish Town Parade at midday. Set aside the normal Mardi Gras colours of purple, green and gold for all shades of pink!
After the parade head to Lafayette, approx. 60 miles. Stay two nights in Lafayette
Lafayette mixes all the amenities of urban life with the unmistakable influence of the region's Cajun and Creole cultures. Admire the many murals in downtown Lafayette which depict some of the region’s history and life, as well as statues and sculptures, mostly by local artists. Explore the Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette which tells stories of the origins, migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians (Cajuns). Lafayette is said to have more restaurants per capita than any other American city. Numerous music clubs feature home-grown talent, including both traditional and contemporary Cajun and Zydeco performers.
Visit Cajun Field for la Festival de Mardi Gras, with rides, games, live music, food vendors, parades. This evening watch the Krewe of Bonaparte parade from 6.30pm
27 February:
Celebrate the traditional Courier de Mardi Gras this evening. This rural Cajun tradition celebrates the runs where masked men on horseback would travel the countryside knocking on doors, singings songs, dancing and begging for ingredients to make a gumbo. Many times homeowners would throw a chicken to the begging krewe and maskers would attempt to catch the bird for gumbo meat. Musicians sometimes followed the krewes, providing more merriment. When the courirs returned to town, they produced a communal gumbo for all to enjoy.
28 February: Head to New Orleans, approx. 135 miles. Stay three nights in New Orleans
A great stop on your way is the Atchafalaya Basin National Wildlife Refuge where there is fishing, hiking and some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the country.
New Orleans is a city that marches to the beat of its own drum. A stop at the French Quarter Visitor Center unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park introduces you to the traditions and life in the area.. There is music playing every evening in the French Quarter.
Try the Maison Bourbon Jazz Club or the House of Blues for music. Also check to see if there are performances scheduled for Preservation Hall. Magazine Street is a great place for shopping, including antiques.
Today is the Lundi Gras (Fat Monday) celebration takes place at the Spanish Plaza adjacent to the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. Take in the Orpheus Parade this evening.
1 March:
Mardi Gras! Parades take place beginning at 8am this morning and continuing into the early afternoon.
2 March:
After all the Mardi Gras excitement and parades, spend your final day strolling the French Quarter or visiting Mardi Gras World where you can see where it all starts.
3 March:
Return to the airport for your flight to the UK.
