Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is celebrated around the world, but here in Southwest Louisiana, our Mardi Gras celebration is closely connected to our Catholic faith and historically French heritage. For us, Mardi Gras is more than just an annual festival — it is a living tradition deeply connected to our Catholic roots, our community, and our rich Cajun heritage. While many think of parades, beads and floats, the Cajun Mardi Gras, particularly the Courir de Mardi Gras, offers a uniquely different experience.

The Catholic Origins of Mardi Gras

The tradition of Mardi Gras began as a Catholic observance, with roots in Europe, particularly in France. Mardi Gras marks the final day before Ash Wednesday, and is a time to enjoy rich food and festivities before the penitential season of Lent takes hold. In the days before refrigeration and modern methods of food preservation, this was also a time to use up or share all the nicer food items in Catholic households. This tradition was brought to Louisiana by French Catholic settlers, who adapted it to their new surroundings and unique cultural influences.

The Courir de Mardi Gras

One of the most distinctive features of Cajun Mardi Gras is the Courir de Mardi Gras, or “Mardi Gras Run.” This tradition goes back to the 19th century and is celebrated in rural towns across Southwest Louisiana. The “run” involves a procession of masked and costumed revelers who travel from house to house, singing, dancing, and (importantly) asking for ingredients to make a communal gumbo. The act of going door to door to ask for food is a symbol of the fact that we are all pilgrims on a journey.The central goal of the Courir de Mardi Gras is not about receiving but sharing — especially through the preparation of the gumbo, which will be served at the end of the day’s festivities. Participants collect chickens, rice, vegetables and other ingredients from the homes they visit and make a gumbo to share. Today the gumbo is prepared early in the morning and is ready for everyone to enjoy after the Courir de Mardi Gras.

Music, Dance and Prayer

There is nothing like a live Mardi Gras tune on a foggy Louisiana morning and a gathering of folks excited to chase a rooster. Check out this video for a great example of the music and feel of Cajun Mardi Gras. In Breaux Bridge Louisiana (our hometown) the Courir de Mardi Gras is for children and families and it starts at the local Catholic Church (St. Bernard) with a blessing from the pastor and it ends with a gumbo, dancing and live music at the local center for the arts. Whether you’re joining in the Courir de Mardi Gras or sharing in the gumbo we make, you’ll find that our Mardi Gras is more than just a party — it’s a living expression of our Catholic faith. There are very few places in the world where you can experience something that has been done for hundreds of years, generation after generation.Ultimately, experiencing Cajun Mardi Gras for yourself is the best way to understand it! Until that happens, we’ve put together a few fun items for you below.

Resources:

• Ask Alexa to play “Cajun Mardi Gras Music”
• Enjoy pictures from one of the most famous Cajun Mardi Gras
• Make your own Gumbo using this recipe