When you think of Mardi Gras, New Orleans probably comes to mind, and for good reason. New Orleans is certainly the king of Mardi Gras, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world hoping to experience a parade or two. But there’s another version of Mardi Gras that takes place in Cajun Country, and not too many people know of its existence. We’re talking about Cajun Mardi Gras, and trust us… It’s nothing like your traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras. Let’s take a closer look.
Often called the Courir de Mardi Gras, Cajun Mardi Gras is an experience like no other.
Tee-Mamou Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival/Facebook It’s nothing like New Orleans Mardi Gras. It might be even better! This holiday is special no matter how you celebrate, but it’s great to get to know the different ways there are to mark this occasion.
Held in many Cajun communities all over Cajun Country, this is a celebration that’s hundreds of years old and built on many traditions.
Wikimedia The celebration can be traced back to French medieval history and was brought to Louisiana in the 19th century.
To experience the Cajun Mardi Gras, you’ll definitely need a vibrant costume.
Tee-Mamou Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival/Facebook Borrowed from the French celebrations and known as Mamou Mardi Gras costumes, these unique outfits are meant to conceal the identities of participants. Anonymity is the name of the game here, and you’ll want to look the part.
Don’t forget your mask and capuchon.
Romain Beauxis/Wikimedia The capuchon, or hat, is a tradition from years past that was originally intended to mock the hats worn by noblewomen. Today, they’re just another way to mask the identity of revelers.
No matter which town you visit, all of them will more or less follow the same basic traditions. First, the riders of Mardi Gras gather in a central meeting place.
John W. Schulza/Flickr Le Capitaine, the leader of the Mardi Gras festivities, explains the rules and traditions that must be followed.
Usually on horseback, Le Capitaine usually wears a cape and carries a flag.
Coffee Shop Soulja/Wikimedia He leads his army house to house as the revelers beg the homeowners for food, as there’s a communal gumbo at the end of the day.
There’s a traditional song that the participants sing, called “La Danse de Mardi Gras” and “La Vieille Chanson de Mardi Gras.”
Herb Roe/Wikimedia Each town may have a slightly different version of the song, but they’re all pretty much about the same thing: looking for food for that gumbo. You just know it’s going to be delicious!
The last ingredient of the gumbo at Cajun Mardi Gras is arguably the center of the entire celebration, and that’s the chicken.
Church Point Mardi Gras/Facebook The chicken chase is quite the sight to see.
Occasionally, a homeowner will release a chicken, and that’s where the fun begins.
Church Point Mardi Gras/Facebook Revelers scramble around attempting to catch the chicken with their bare hands.
It’s truly a spectacle.
Tee-Mamou Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival/Facebook And chickens are fast!
At the end of the day, you’ll be rewarded with a big bowl of gumbo.
jc.winkler/Flickr A delicious reward for all of your hard work.
Several towns around Cajun Country have their own Cajun Mardi Gras, including Eunice, Church Point, Mamou, and Iota. To learn more, click here.
Tee-Mamou Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival/Facebook
It’s nothing like New Orleans Mardi Gras. It might be even better! This holiday is special no matter how you celebrate, but it’s great to get to know the different ways there are to mark this occasion.
Wikimedia
The celebration can be traced back to French medieval history and was brought to Louisiana in the 19th century.
Borrowed from the French celebrations and known as Mamou Mardi Gras costumes, these unique outfits are meant to conceal the identities of participants. Anonymity is the name of the game here, and you’ll want to look the part.
Romain Beauxis/Wikimedia
The capuchon, or hat, is a tradition from years past that was originally intended to mock the hats worn by noblewomen. Today, they’re just another way to mask the identity of revelers.
John W. Schulza/Flickr
Le Capitaine, the leader of the Mardi Gras festivities, explains the rules and traditions that must be followed.
Coffee Shop Soulja/Wikimedia
He leads his army house to house as the revelers beg the homeowners for food, as there’s a communal gumbo at the end of the day.
Herb Roe/Wikimedia
Each town may have a slightly different version of the song, but they’re all pretty much about the same thing: looking for food for that gumbo. You just know it’s going to be delicious!
Church Point Mardi Gras/Facebook
The chicken chase is quite the sight to see.
Revelers scramble around attempting to catch the chicken with their bare hands.
And chickens are fast!
jc.winkler/Flickr
A delicious reward for all of your hard work.
Have you ever experienced a Cajun Mardi Gras? Let us know in the comments below!
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