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MARDI GRAS’ MANY FACES
In Louisiana, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is celebrated many different ways. The season starts after Epiphany and ends at midnight before Ash Wednesday.
In the cities of New Orleans, Houma, Lafayette, and as far north as Shreveport, there are groups known as Krewes who work all year to prepare their elaborate costumes for the year’s themed parade. Each Krewe has many social gatherings. They choose a King and Queen to reign over the Formal Ball and Parade that year.
People of all ages come to the parades which begin about two weeks before Mardi Gras. They compete to catch beads and other ‘Parade Throws’, or favors, such as decorated shoes, purses, and even coconuts, which are thrown from the floats into the crowd.
In Rural Acadiana, or Cajun Country, Mardi Gras is celebrated much differently with the Courir de Mardi Gras. Traditional costumes, masks, and capuchons are worn. The Capuchon is a pointed hat which the French people used to wear to poke fun at the upper class. Masked horse riders get up early and, led by a Captain, go from house to house in the countryside, begging for food to make the evening Gumbo. Of course the riders must entertain the home owner by dancing to the Cajun French Music that the band is playing from a trailer that follows the riders. If the homeowner is generous enough to donate a live chicken for the Gumbo, he throws the chicken into the air and the masked, costumed men compete to catch the chicken. Since the men are drinking and partying, they are very entertaining, dancing on horses and chasing chickens through mud and puddles if necessary. Later in the day, the riders parade into town where there are bands playing music for the Street Dances. Later that evening, all are invited to eat the Gumbo made with the donated ingredients. Of course the party ends at midnight for Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
You can find the Courir de Mardi Gras in many rural communities such as Mamou, Church Point, and there is even a children’s Courir in Eunice, LA.
Of course many families and friends also have celebrations at home with children competing to catch chickens and having their own Gumbo and King Cakes.
The traditional King Cake is a cinnamon cake which may have a cream filling. A tiny plastic baby doll is hidden inside the cake and whoever ends up with the baby is required to buy the King Cake for the next gathering.
Mardi Gras brings many visitors to Louisiana but it is the locals who look forward to the season year after year and attend as many events as possible from city to rural celebrations. Leissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! (Let The Good Times Roll!)