Louisiana

Louisiana, United States

Even if you consider yourself a New Orleans Mardi Gras expert, we're here to say you haven't seen anything yet! The celebrations outside of NOLA are as diverse as the state itself. If you know anything about Louisiana, we celebrate all our roots: Native American, French, Spanish, African-American, Cajun and Creole. Each city in each region of Louisiana has its own way of celebrating Mardi Gras. We all love Carnival Season--the weeks of parades, feasts, family fun and revelry are part and parcel of every Louisianan's identity. It runs from Twelfth Night through Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Want to join in? Explore the different regions, find a spot that speaks to you and book a trip! Laissez les bons temps rouler! Credit: Louisiana Travel Website

New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

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. On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America's very first Mardi Gras. Credit: www.mardigrasneworleans.com

1380 Port of New Orleans Pl
New Orleans, LA

The rich history of Kern Studios dates back to 1932, when the first mule-drawn float was built on the back of a garbage wagon. The Early Days The early days of what has grown into Kern Studios started with Roy Kern, a local artist-turned-sign-painter who worked his way through the Depression by painting names and signs on the bows of freighters and barges. Roy and his son Blaine built their first Mardi Gras float together on the back on a mule-drawn wagon in 1932. Unable to pay his mother’s medical bills, Blaine offered to paint a mural in the hospital, which caught the eye of a surgeon who was also the captain of a Mardi Gras Krewe. This captain invited Blaine to design and build floats for his Krewe, and Kern Studios was officially founded in its current form in 1947. One float led to another, and before long Blaine became the city’s leading parade designer and builder, working with Rex, Zulu and other legendary krewes. Mr. Mardi Gras Blaine Kern traveled throughout Europe to apprentice under the world’s leading float and costume makers. During several trips to Italy, France, and Spain, Blaine became inspired by the extravagant concepts and animation that marked the European style of float building. He brought these ideas to New Orleans and developed the monumental scale and lavish ornamentation of today’s spectacular Mardi Gras floats. Blaine Kern was instrumental in the formative years of some of New Orleans’ biggest parades and “Super Krewes” and is still known as “Mr. Mardi Gras.” THE CREATION OF MARDI GRAS WORLD After many requests for private tours of Kern Studios from people wanting a sneak-peak of Mardi Gras, the Kerns decided to open up the working studio to the public. In 1984, Mardi Gras World was created as a tourist attraction to provide visitors a behind-the-scenes look of our work. Widely successful, the attraction draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. Credit: www.mardigrasworld.com

202 W Lee Dr
Baton Rouge, LA

It’s been 25 years since Todd Graves opened “The Mothership” at the north gates of LSU. Since 1996, Cane’s has grown to nearly 600 Restaurants, served 2.5 billion Box Combos and provided $100 million in Community support, and now, Graves is committed to giving back more than ever – starting right here in his home state.

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge is an annual celebration attended by thousands each year who join in and experience the exciting activities hosted in the Red Stick. Known for being family-friendly, Baton Rouge Mardi Gras has a little bit of everything. From beautifully designed floats to costumed canines, marching bands to lawnmower pushing krewes, Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge is one you don’t want to miss. Besides, don’t you want to know what exactly those pink flamingos are all about? Start planning your trip today so you can snag a front-row seat to a fun-filled Baton Rouge Mardi Gras parade! Credit: www.visitbatonrouge.com

Baton Rouge, LA

Mardi Gras Recipes Dirty Rice, Gumbo, Jambalaya, King Cake, Fried Chicken, BBQ, Coffee, Mardi Gras Doughnuts and more .

202 W Lee Dr
Baton Rouge, LA

3313 Highland Rd
Baton Rouge, LA

Nothing better than a tradition where you re-create a foodie favorite with local Chicken Finders and of course it’s all about the sauce!