- There’s more than one way to consume a king cake.
Traditional king cakes are made of a rich, brioche dough with an array of filling, such as cinnamon, cream cheese or chocolate. However, the Shreveport-Bossier community gives locals and visitors a chance to make the king cake experience their own. You can have everything from king cake flavored coffees and cocktails, to cheesecakes and French toast and more.
- Mardi Gras marks the end of the carnival season.
Although the Mardi Gras dates change every year, Shreveport-Bossier rolls right into Mardi Gras season just after the New Year, and ends on Fat Tuesday. Whereas, countries around the world celebrate Mardi Gras as the last day of carnival season, such as Carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Carnevale di Venezia in Italy.
- The first Shreveport celebration of Mardi Gras took place nearly 146 years ago.
The first celebration of Mardi Gras in Shreveport took place in 1874. To read more details about the history of Shreveport Mardi Gras, review the 2014 Shreveport Times article here.
- Masks are required by law for float riders.
Never seen a bare face on a float? This is why. In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowed float riders to escape society and class restraints, allowing them to be whomever they’d like to be. Today, float riders are required by law to wear masks or paint their face to keep the festive traditions and mystery alive.
- Shreveport-Bossier Mardi Gras parades are free!
Mardi Gras is a cultural celebration that everyone should experience at no cost. General admission is free for all traditional street parades. However, you can elevate your experience to find locations that offer premium seating and experiences as you watch the parade stroll along the roads of Shreveport-Bossier.
- “Flashing” is prohibited in Shreveport-Bossier.
It wasn’t until a few decades ago that “flashing” became synonymous with throwing beads. Shreveport-Bossier continues to uphold its clean reputation for throwing the best family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration in the state of Louisiana. Attendees can make this Louisiana carnival their own by catching beads at the parades, tasting king cakes and gumbo at local eateries, or dancing past midnight at a festive ball.
- The official Mardi Gras colors are purple, gold and green.
Each color has holds its own significance to the true meaning of your Mardi Gras experience in Shreveport-Bossier: Purple symbolizes justice, gold represents power and green signifies faith.
- You’ll see French text everywhere, especially the popular phrase “laissez les bon temps rouler.”
According to Country Living Magazine, “Laisssez les bon temps rouler” is the official greeting of Mardi Gras. The Cajun French phrase translates in English as “let the good times roll.” Adding to that, our annual 2020 Gris Gris Guide to Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier gets its name from a Cajun French voodoo spell “gris gris” meaning, a feeling of exuberance and joy, and may bring an outlook on life that is more positive and hopeful. Digital copies of the brochure are available for download here.
- Just say the magic words, “Throw me something, mister!”
Shreveport-Bossier’s krewe members will fly through tens of thousands of beads, piles stuffed animals, boxes of snack cakes, towers of cups, stacks of t-shirts and more as they roll through the parade route. The best way to grab their attention is to yell the traditional phrase, “Throw me something, mister!”
- Parades are rolling, throwing and partying, rain or shine.
A little rain never stopped Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier. It is difficult to pinpoint specific weather conditions in Louisiana, however, closed toed shoes and layers of clothing is suggested for all attendees. If you plan your trip to Shreveport-Bossier, you can rest assure that festivities will go on, rain or shine.
For more information about more Mardi Gras fun in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveportmardigras.com.