> At a Glance
> – Louisiana residents are preparing for a 43-day Carnival season.
> – More than 80 parades, 15 million throws, and king cakes will fill the streets.
> – Traditions include Courir de Mardi Gras and Mardi Gras Indian suits.
> – Why it matters: It showcases Louisiana’s vibrant culture and draws millions of visitors each year.
As the holiday lights go down, Louisiana residents gear up for the most colorful season of the year. The 43-day Carnival, beginning on Jan. 6 and ending with Mardi Gras on Feb. 17, will feature king cakes, massive parades and a bounty of throws that keep the streets glittering.
Carnival Basics
Carnival is the pre-Lenten season rooted in Christian and Catholic tradition, lasting from Epiphany on Jan. 6 to the day before Ash Wednesday. In 2024, Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 17, making the season 43 days long.
- Starts Jan. 6 (Epiphany)
- Ends Feb. 17 (Mardi Gras)
- 43 days total
King Cake
The season’s culinary icon is the king cake, a brioche-style pastry filled with fruit or cream cheese and studded with a hidden plastic baby. Whoever finds the baby is expected to buy the next cake or host a party, keeping the tradition alive.
- Ring-shaped, cinnamon-streaked dough
- Purple, green, and gold icing
- Tiny plastic baby inside
Parades and Throws
New Orleans will host over 80 parades, from the 3,200-rider Endymion float to a tiny shoe-box parade. Krewe members toss an estimated 15 million throws, including beads, candy, doubloons, and even bedazzled toilet plungers.
- 80+ parades
- 15 million throws
- Largest parade: 3,200 riders, 80 floats
Other Traditions
Beyond the city streets, the Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras involves masked runners chasing chickens for a communal gumbo, while African-American Mardi Gras Indians don elaborate feathered suits to perform in the city.
- Courir de Mardi Gras – masked runners, live chickens
- Mardi Gras Indians – feathered suits, drums
Key Takeaways
- Carnival runs from Jan. 6 to Feb. 17, spanning 43 days.
- The season features more than 80 parades and 15 million throws.
- King cakes, Courir de Mardi Gras, and Mardi Gras Indians highlight Louisiana’s rich cultural tapestry.
With its blend of food, music, and pageantry, Louisiana’s Carnival season invites locals and visitors alike to experience a living celebration of culture and community.
