The vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations in Lake Charles have a certain charm that is difficult to avoid, even though they lack the historic charm of the French Quarter.
Once a thriving haven for cowboys and even pirates, Lake Charles is located along Interstate 10, which connects Louisiana and Texas. These days, it’s a popular retreat for Houstonians who come for an exciting weekend, whether that means exploring the breathtaking Creole Nature Trail or trying their luck at the casinos.
This resilient town has weathered its share of devastating storms, yet its spirit remains unshaken. And being Louisiana, that resilience is best expressed through celebration—especially during Mardi Gras, when parade krewes take center stage and zydeco music fuels vibrant Sunday brunches.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is an unmissable spectacle—a thrilling blend of street party and carnival madness that’s impossible to forget. But ask any Louisianan, and they’ll tell you that the most authentic Mardi Gras experiences happen outside of the Big Easy.
In Lake Charles, the celebrations take on a more intimate, community-driven feel. Local historian Adley Cormier describes how Mardi Gras in rural areas embraces a different energy: “Following a Mardi Gras run by car allows people to engage with what’s happening rather than simply being another masked face in a massive crowd.”
Over the years, Mardi Gras in Louisiana has evolved under Protestant American influences, shifting to emphasize its social traditions. Cormier explains, “It’s a chance to break the monotony of the long, drab winter—an excuse for revelry after Christmas but before the arrival of spring.” While deeply rooted in pre-Lenten customs, the modern season of indulgence and joy extends well beyond a single day.
In New Orleans, you can expect to be showered with beads and trinkets before diving into a feast at one of the French Quarter’s famous eateries. But in Lake Charles and the surrounding parishes, the festivities remain a close-knit, communal affair. Here, free events abound—chicken runs, mask-making workshops, gumbo-cooking fundraisers, king cake decorating parties, and illuminated riverboat parades make it easy to immerse yourself in the local traditions.
Curious about the chicken run? Known as courir de Mardi Gras, this beloved tradition is a highlight of Fat Tuesday in central and southwest Louisiana. Participants dress in colorful costumes and dance for ingredients—like live chickens and sausages—that will be used to prepare a shared meal for the community.
Cormier notes that while both New Orleans and Lake Charles share common Mardi Gras customs—parades, masks, king cake, and debutante balls—the key difference lies in the production value. “New Orleans has turned Mardi Gras into an industry,” he explains, “whereas in prairie communities like Lake Charles, the experience still feels handmade and personal.”
Beyond the chicken run, Mardi Gras in Lake Charles offers a chance to savor the flavors of authentic Cajun cooking while soaking in the spirit of celebration. Between parades, you’ll encounter steaming bowls of communal gumbo and jambalaya, seasoned with generations of tradition.
While New Orleans boasts the renowned Zulu Ball, Lake Charles provides an even richer insight into Black Mardi Gras traditions. Leo Colquitt, leader of the all-Black krewe of Omega, shares, “We’ve been celebrating Mardi Gras here for 57 years. It originally started as part of a Black history event and gradually became a staple of our Mardi Gras festivities.”
Colquitt and his krewe take pride in bringing the celebrations to children and families who may not have access to larger Mardi Gras events. “Mardi Gras is a cornerstone of our Black community,” he says. “We’re all about spreading joy.”
Looking ahead, Colquitt hopes to see the Black Mardi Gras parades grow even larger, inviting people from all backgrounds to experience this vibrant cultural tradition. Visitors eager to dive deeper into Black history in Lake Charles can stop by the Black Heritage Gallery downtown, where local artists share their stories and creative works.
One thing is certain in Lake Charles: the good times roll every day, not just during Mardi Gras. And when it comes to the soundtrack of the celebration, don’t expect to hear the jazz typically associated with New Orleans. Instead, the city pulses to the rhythms of zydeco—a dynamic genre that blends jazz, blues, and country, featuring the distinctive frottoir (a washboard-like percussion instrument) that invites everyone to the dance floor.
Visit Panorama Music House for a genuine flavor of local music, as gifted zydeco artists fill the dance floor. When you combine the experience with a rich breakfast, it becomes evident why anyone needs New Orleans when Lake Charles has all the charm of Mardi Gras with a unique twist.