The Ultimate Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade Guide: February & March 2025

Photo by: Eliot Kamenitz

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Embracing the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras, Louisiana gears up for a dazzling array of parades and festivities, marking the peak of the Carnival season. From the grandeur of New Orleans to the rich Cajun traditions of Acadiana, the streets will soon be alive with music, floats, and revelers celebrating in true Louisiana fashion. As we eagerly anticipate the revelry, let's take a closer look at the exciting lineup of events planned across the state.

New Orleans, the heart of Mardi Gras, sets the tone for an unforgettable season with an extensive lineup of parades. On February 21, the Krewe of Oshun kicks things off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Krewe of Cleopatra rolling through the city with dazzling lights and throws. Metairie joins in the fun with the Krewe of Excalibur at 7:00 p.m., while Mandeville hosts the Krewe of Eve at the same time. The excitement builds on February 22 as the Krewe of Pontchartrain takes over Uptown New Orleans at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Legion of Mars, Krewe of Choctaw, and Krewe of Freret. As evening falls, the Knights of Sparta roll at 5:30 p.m., paving the way for the Krewe of Pygmalion at 6:15 p.m. Over in Metairie, the Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters delivers a unique parade experience at 5:00 p.m., while Larose welcomes the Krewe of Versailles, bringing a coastal flair to the season.

Moving into Acadiana, Lafayette’s Mardi Gras celebrations capture the essence of Cajun culture. The Krewe de Canailles Walking Parade takes center stage on February 21 at 7:00 p.m., offering a creative and open-invitation procession through Downtown Lafayette. The next day, February 22, brings the Krewe des Chiens at noon, a beloved dog-friendly parade, followed by the high-energy Krewe of Carnivale en Rio at 6:30 p.m., where Brazilian flair meets Louisiana charm. The excitement continues on March 1 as the Krewe of Bonaparte rolls through Lafayette at 6:30 p.m., while earlier in the day, families gather for the Children’s Parade at 12:30 p.m. Eunice adds its own touch with the Eunice Lil’ Mardi Gras, a delightful parade dedicated to young revelers.

Across the parishes, unique celebrations add to the tapestry of Mardi Gras. In Baldwin, the Mardi Gras Parade on March 1 rolls down Highway 182 at 1:00 p.m., bringing together the community in a festive spectacle. Berwick welcomes the Krewe of Dionysius Parade on the same day, filling the streets with energy and excitement. Over in Natchitoches, the Krewe of Dionysos takes center stage, continuing the tradition of lively Mardi Gras celebrations in North Louisiana. Lockport hosts the Krewe of Apollo, while Larose’s Le Krewe Du Bon Temps adds to the excitement with its own vibrant procession.

As Lundi Gras approaches on March 3, Lafayette continues the festivities with Queen Evangeline’s Parade at 6:00 p.m., a regal celebration honoring Louisiana’s history. Oberlin’s Soileau Mardi Gras and Patterson’s Krewe of Amani also mark the occasion with their unique traditions, while Morgan City’s Krewe of Hera brings the night to life with a spectacular show of lights and revelry.

Mardi Gras Day, March 4, marks the grand culmination of the season with a series of spectacular parades. Lafayette begins the day with King Gabriel’s Parade at 10:00 a.m., setting the tone for a lively day of festivities. The Mardi Gras Festival Parade follows at 1:00 p.m., leading into the Independent Parade at 2:30 p.m., ensuring the celebration ends with a bang. Gheens hosts the Krewe of Gheens, while Golden Meadow welcomes the Krewe of Neptune. Franklin’s Mardi Gras Parade takes place at 1:00 p.m., and the Siracusaville Parade brings the festivities to Amelia. Thibodaux’s Krewe of Choupic and Krewe of Ghana add to the excitement, while Morgan City’s Krewe of Hephaestus, the oldest krewe in St. Mary Parish, continues its historic tradition with a 2:00 p.m. parade. Loreauville rounds out the celebrations with the Papa Red Dog Mardi Gras Parade, delivering a final burst of energy to close out the season.

Even after Fat Tuesday, the celebrations don’t end. Louisiana keeps the spirit alive with St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s parades throughout March. On March 15, New Orleans hosts the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Parade, a vibrant event famous for its unique throws of cabbages and potatoes. Metairie follows on March 16 with its own St. Patrick’s Parade, a family-friendly event featuring Irish music and dancing. Rounding out the extended festivities, the St. Joseph’s Parade in New Orleans takes place on March 22, celebrating Italian heritage with stunning red, white, and green floats.

As we look ahead to Louisiana’s Mardi Gras season, the state promises an unparalleled experience filled with history, culture, and revelry. Whether you’re catching beads in New Orleans, dancing to zydeco in Lafayette, or experiencing a courir in the countryside, Mardi Gras offers something for everyone. With an incredible lineup of parades stretching through February and March, the time has come to don your best Mardi Gras attire, gather your krewe, and embrace the magic of Louisiana’s most spectacular celebration.

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