Visual Traveler: Lake Charles, LA Mardi Gras

       The Mardi Gras Museum, Lake Charles. Photo Credit: Lisa Waterman Gray

​What's in This Post    
1) Mardi Gras in Lake Charles
2) Beyond Lake Charles Parades
3) Year-Round Mardi Gras Pageantry in Lake Charles
4)  Lake Charles Mardi Gras Slideshow

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles

There’s more than one place in 'The Bayou State' to enjoy Mardi Gras season. And during one of those seasons I had the pleasure of celebrating in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Are there crowds? Plenty. Is rowdiness a hallmark of the primary parade? Not from what our group saw.

This is - in fact - the state's second largest Mardi Gras celebration. Occurring on Fat Tuesday, each year, the Krewe of Krewes Parade is Mardi Gras' local finale. It features more than 60 krewes, riding on elaborate floats as they throw purple, green and yellow bead necklaces to crowds along the roadway, plus toy doubloons, and other goodies. Riding on one of those floats while wearing a feathered boa and mask was a total blast. So was sampling several Mardi Gras cakes during our multi-day visit.

Beyond Lake Charles Parades 

But Lake Charles offers several other great ways to celebrate and acknowledge this festive 'season.' On one evening we received a rare, behind-the- scenes tour as participants donned costumes and makeup, before numerous krewes gathered inside an event venue full of bright lights and brilliant pageantry. There was even a royal court of young women wrapped in regal dress. 
 
Year-Round Mardi Gras Pageantry in Lake Charles

I also loved our visit to the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, housed inside Central School Arts and Humanities Center. What an amazing opportunity to see the intricate, sparkling beadwork and brocade that are hallmarks of most Mardi Gras costumes and vibrant hued feathers that decorate many. I especially loved several costumes whose predominant color palette incorporated turquoise to teal. 

If attending a family-focused Mardi Gras celebration sounds appealing, be sure to check out what Lake Charles offers at this time of year. It's a celebration you won't soon forget. 

​                                      Lake Charles Mardi Gras Slideshow              

Disclaimer: As a writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they accurately reflected this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.