Mardi Gras is right around the corner. Like most folks, you probably already know that Mardi Gras in Louisiana is considered to be one of the biggest parties in America. It attracts people from all over the world with its colorful floats, countless marching bands, masked balls, costumed revelers, and beads. But have you ever been to an authentic Cajun Mardi Gras celebration?
Historians believe that Mardi Gras celebrations can be traced back to Europe – and some believe that it actually has its roots in Ancient Rome. Here in the U.S., Mardi Gras is an event that’s often synonymous with New Orleans. There’s no doubt that our friends up in N’orleans put on a mighty-fine Mardi Gras celebration. But down here in Houma, we’d like to think that we do a pretty good job as well.
Mardi Gras in Louisiana is a celebration that dates back to 1875, when the Governor of Louisiana signed the famous “Mardi Gras Act” and allowed the festival to be recognized as a legal holiday in the state. Today, Mardi Gras is an exciting celebration featuring hundreds of fun events, floats, costumes, and marching bands. It’s a well-known fact that Houma, Louisiana has the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana. But folks who have never experienced all the excitement during Mardi Gras in Houma may not know that our city boasts an authentic Cajun Mardi Gras celebration.
What makes Mardi Gras here in Houma so popular is the fact that it’s a celebration that’s big on tradition – full of fun and excitement – but family-friendly at the same time. You’ll get all of the parades, colorful beads, decorations, masks, and trinkets that are common to the celebration. And, of course, if you like great Cajun food, there’s no place better to sample the flavors of Louisiana than in Houma. Travelers to our fair city are always amazed by the quality (and quantity) of our authentic gumbo, étouffée, jambalaya, and poboy sandwiches. And if you’re down here for Mardi Gras and want to sample a little King Cake, we have plenty of that too!
The 2013 Mardi Gras in Houma, Louisiana starts on Friday, February 1st with the Krewe of Hercules at 6:00 pm and runs nearly non-stop until the Krewe of Bonne Terre at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, February 12th. So, come on down to Houma, Louisiana for an authentic Cajun Mardi Gras celebration that’s fit for the whole family. Houma, Louisiana is a short trip down Highway 90 from New Orleans to the true heart of Louisiana Cajun Country where Mardi Gras is fun and family-friendly.
Bring the whole family to Mardi Gras in Houma. The excitement begins well before the first parade starts, so get yourself a spot on the edge of the parade route and get ready to catch some beads!
Call the Houma Louisiana Visitors Bureau at (800) 688-2732 for a 2013 Mardi Gras Brochure and Parade Schedule. Mardi Gras in Houma is a centuries-old, grand-style Cajun celebration. Let the good times roll!
