It’s Mardi Gras, y’all!
From vibrant parades and lively street dances to indulgent King Cake and the excitement of traditional Courir de Mardi Gras, Jeff Davis Parish is the perfect place to celebrate Mardi Gras season. Experience the spirit of the season in every corner of our parish – whether you’re catching beads at a parade, dancing in the streets, or joining in the excitement of a chicken run. Our Mardi Gras itinerary is packed with events and activities for all ages—be sure to explore and start planning your unforgettable celebration today!
Know the Tradition
The Courir de Mardi Gras is one of the most treasured and unique traditions in Jeff Davis Parish, bringing to life the rich heritage of Cajun culture. Rooted in medieval French customs, the Courir, or “Mardi Gras Run,” is a community celebration that combines music, dancing, and a playful spirit of revelry. Riders dressed in vibrant, fringed costumes and masks take to horseback or trailers, traveling through the countryside to gather ingredients for a communal gumbo. The most iconic part of the Courir is the chicken chase – a lighthearted ritual where riders attempt to catch a live chicken tossed by a farmer, a nod to the days when communities relied on their neighbors for shared meals.
In Jeff Davis Parish, we keep this cherished tradition alive while each town adds its own unique flair to the season. Elton hosts an authentic Courir de Mardi Gras celebration, complete with a chicken run and gumbo that reflect the area’s deep-rooted customs. Welsh blends traditional elements with a community street dance and parade. Jennings Celebrates the season with a community ball and parade, while Lake Arthur brings families together with its own spin on the chicken run, adding a festive parade after. Each town’s celebration offers a modern twist while honoring the heart of Mardi Gras – community, culture, and celebration.
Join in on the Fun
Mardi Gras in Jeff Davis Parish is more than just floats and beads — it’s a lively season of traditions and celebrations that bring communities together in unforgettable ways. From elegant Mardi Gras balls and family-friendly runs to Courir de Mardi Gras and street dances, each event adds its own unique flair to the Carnival season.
Festivities begin on January 11 in Lake Arthur with Mardi Gras Bingo, kicking off weeks of celebration across the parish. On January 17, the Town of Welsh hosts its Mardi Gras Ball, while the Cajun Family Mardi Gras Association (CFMA) holds its Children’s Courir de Mardi Gras, offering a fun and educational way for kids to experience this historic tradition.
On January 24, Welsh continues the fun with its Kids’ Mardi Gras Run, and Lake Arthur hosts the Cancer Ball, bringing elegance and community spirit to the season. The celebrations continue on January 31 with Welsh’s Street Dance, Run, and Parade, filling the town with music, color, and Carnival excitement.
As February arrives, Mardi Gras energy spreads throughout the parish. On February 6, the Basile Mardi Gras Association will bring authentic Mardi Gras music and tradition to Pye’s Place in Lake Arthur. The following day, February 7, Lake Arthur’s Mardi Gras Run and Parade takes center stage with a full day of festivities.
On February 14, multiple communities celebrate in their own special ways. The City of Jennings hosts its Mardi Gras Parade, while the Town of Elton holds its traditional Chicken Run (Courir de Mardi Gras) — both showcasing the deep cultural roots of Carnival in Jeff Davis Parish. The celebration continues on February 15 with the Grand Marais Courir de Mardi Gras.
Finally, on February 17, Louisiana comes together to celebrate Mardi Gras Day, marking the grand finale of the Carnival season. In Jeff Davis Parish, the festivities conclude with a street dance, marking the end of weeks of celebration filled with tradition, music, and community.
No matter which event you choose to attend, Mardi Gras in Jeff Davis Parish offers a rich blend of culture, history, and good times that truly make this season one of the best times of the year.
Indulge in King Cake
No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without indulging in the beloved King Cake – a sweet, cinnamon-filled pastry topped with icing and decorated in purple, green, and gold to symbolize justice, faith, and power.
In Jeff Davis Parish, you can find delicious King Cakes at local favorites like Southern Crumbs and Parish Seafood. Each place adds its unique twist, from traditional fillings to creative flavors that make every bite a delight. Be sure to check out our restaurant list for more places offering this iconic Mardi Gras treat. Whether you’re sharing with family or bringing one to the office, enjoying a King Cake is the sweetest way to celebrate the season!
Grab other Mardi Gras themed Treats
No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without enjoying the festive flavors that go beyond the traditional King Cake. Jeff Davis Parish is full of creative twists on carnival season favorites — from King Cake Daiquiris at Daiquiris Supreme, blending sweet cinnamon notes with a frosty, colorful kick, to seasonal coffee creations at Java Joltz that bring Mardi Gras magic to every cup. You can also find delicious King Cake–inspired sweet treats at Red Cardinal, where their fun flavors and festive toppings make each bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re looking for something to sip, savor, or share, these local spots offer the perfect way to enjoy the spirit of Mardi Gras all season long!
Plan your Mardi Gras
From festive King Cake creations and colorful parades to lively local stops and seasonal treats, Jeff Davis Parish offers everything you need for a fun-filled Mardi Gras season. Gather your krewe, explore our small-town charm, and experience the joy, flavor, and Louisiana spirit that make our parish shine this time of year.
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