Courir de Mardi Gras: Experience a True Cajun Carnival

The roots of Mardi Gras in Acadiana stem from South Louisiana’s deep French and Catholic heritage. The term Mardi Gras literally means “Fat Tuesday” in French — the final day of celebration before the season of Lent begins.

Lent is a 40-day period observed by Catholics from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday, traditionally marked by fasting, abstinence from meat, and acts of charity. Because of this, Mardi Gras became a final opportunity to enjoy rich foods, music, and community celebration before the solemn season began. In Acadiana, Mardi Gras festivities often begin as early as Twelfth Night (Epiphany) on January 6 and continue through Fat Tuesday.

While Lafayette has its share of parades, balls, and beads similar to what many associate with New Orleans, rural Acadiana celebrates Mardi Gras very differently. Here, the focus is on the Courir de Mardi Gras — literally, “the Fat Tuesday run.”

During a courir, masked revelers dressed in traditional capuchon costumes ride horses or wagons from house to house, singing, dancing, and playfully begging for ingredients to make a community gumbo. Chickens are famously chased, songs are sung in Cajun French, and strict rules are enforced by the Capitaine to keep the tradition respectful and rooted in history.

These customs trace back to medieval France, where costumed revelers performed skits and songs while requesting food from landowners — a tradition that Cajuns preserved and adapted after settling in South Louisiana. Today, the Courir de Mardi Gras remains one of the most authentic cultural expressions in Acadiana.

The King Cake Tradition

No Cajun Mardi Gras season would be complete without King Cake.

Traditionally enjoyed from Epiphany through Mardi Gras Day, a King Cake resembles a large, ring-shaped pastry — often topped with purple, green, and gold sugar and sometimes filled with flavors like cinnamon, cream cheese, chocolate, fruit preserves, or pecan praline.

Hidden inside the cake is a tiny plastic baby, symbolizing the Christ child. Whoever finds the baby is crowned “king” or “queen” for the day and is traditionally responsible for bringing the next King Cake or hosting the next gathering, keeping the spirit of hospitality and community alive throughout the season.

Our Favorite King Cakes in Lafayette

The Frontline team overwhelmingly agrees: Keller’s Bakery Bavarian Cream King Cake is a must-try.

Located in downtown Lafayette, Keller’s Bakery has been a community staple since 1929, with the family’s baking roots tracing all the way back to 1760s France — a fitting connection to Cajun Mardi Gras traditions.

Honorable mentions from the Frontline team include:

• Twin’s Bakery
• Great Harvest Bread Co.
• Gambino’s
• Albertsons (for convenient, classic options)

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Acadiana All Season Long

Whether you’re hoping to witness a traditional courir, enjoy Cajun music and dancing, or simply eat your way through king cake season, these resources will help you plan your Acadiana Mardi Gras experience.

• Official Acadiana Mardi Gras schedules & events
• Acadiana parade schedules (for those who want both traditions)
• Learn more about Cajun Country Mardi Gras traditions
  

Mardi Gras Playlist to Get You in the Mood

Want the soundtrack to your Lafayette Mardi Gras celebration? These playlists capture the spirit of Louisiana music — from zydeco rhythms to festive brass and Cajun grooves.

Spotify: Mardi Gras, Zydeco & Cajun Music
Apple Music: Mardi Gras Essentials

Book Your Stay Before Mardi Gras Season Fills Up

Mardi Gras is one of Acadiana’s busiest seasons, and the best dates go fast. If you’re planning to experience a Courir de Mardi Gras, enjoy king cake season, or soak up true Cajun culture, now’s the time to lock it in.

Use code MARDIGRAS26 for 15% off your stay  during Carnival season and book direct while availability lasts.

Reserve your Frontline short-term rental today — before the best weekends are gone.