Let the Good Times Roll along Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou
Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou (February 3, 2017) – Ask most folks what Mardi Gras is all about, and
they’re likely to think of debauchery and drinking, a total party atmosphere punctuated by grand
parades, festive music and elegant costumes. Some of that is accurate, and some is not. At its heart,
Mardi Gras is a religious celebration – the day before Ash Wednesday – and it’s regarded as a truly
important day on the Cajun calendar. This year Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 28; for those
planning a bit more in advance, in 2018 it’ll be on February 13.
One of the best places to enjoy authentic Mardi Gras experiences is Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou,
located a mere 45 minutes from New Orleans. This destination truly embraces its Cajun roots, right
down to the fact that “Fat Tuesday” here centers around families and is therefore completely Grated. The Cajuns of Lafourche Parish have a special zest for life, which they demonstrate through 17
family-friendly parades that offer locals and guests alike great vantage points from which to view
floats and admire costumes – and, of course, to catch the beads, cups and other trinkets thrown into
the crowd. Parades begin on February 12 and run through February 28 this year.
So what exactly is Mardi Gras, and why is it so important to the people of Louisiana …
especially Cajuns? Translated from French (the Cajuns’ original language), the name means “Fat
Tuesday.” That’s a direct reference to the fact that the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is the last day
of eating rich and indulgent foods before entering the season of Lent, a time of sacrifice and
repentance. It’s an important time in the Catholic faith, the religion practiced by most Cajuns. Over
the decades, Fat Tuesday has become a time of great celebration that gives people – no matter
where they’re from or what religion they practice – a reason to appreciate good food, great music
and a truly memorable party.
Besides being a spectator (or, if you know the right people, a participant) in the parades that
take place up and down the Bayou, from Thibodaux to Golden Meadow, a highlight of Mardi Gras is
eating king cake. There are a variety of cafes and bakeries all along Bayou Lafourche that sell these
cakes, which are sort of like giant cinnamon rolls decorated with icing and then topped off with
sugar sprinkles in the three Mardi Gras colors – purple to represent justice, gold for power and green
for faith. Be warned, though: Tucked somewhere inside each cake is a plastic baby that symbolizes
good fortune for the person who finds it in his or her slice. (Unless, of course, the baby is ingested.
Then it’s not very lucky at all.)
If you want to try this delicacy in liquid form, Mudbug Brewery in Thibodaux has created a
King Cake Ale that blends the flavors of cinnamon and vanilla into a pale ale. Also in Thibodaux,
Donner-Peltier Distiller crafts whisky, gin, vodka and rum that make interesting bases for a variety of
Mardi Gras drinks.
Whether you’re eating or drinking, catching beads or throwing them, one thing is certain in
Lafourche Parish: Here along the Bayou there’s simply no such thing as a stranger, which means
guests are always welcome at these celebrations where there’s no better way to get an authentic
taste of Cajun life.
For more information about Mardi Gras in Lafourche Parish, please visit
www.lacajunbayou.com.
Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou is located just 45 minutes from New Orleans, in the coastal destination of Lafourche
Parish. Visitors seeking authentic Cajun experiences are embraced by true Southern hospitality as they sample
the outdoor adventures, culture, food, music and festivals that make any journey up and down Bayou
Lafourche truly personal, memorable and distinctive. From fishing in the Gulf of Mexico to enjoying a big bowl
of gumbo, from spotting an alligator on a swamp tour to learning how to blend cocktails with our locally made
rum, Cajun runs deep here on the Bayou. For more information about Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, please visit
www.lacajunbayou.com. And to get a peek inside this unique community, check out
https://www.youtube.com/embed/dGeZ9cuaR7c.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mindy Bianca
[email protected]
919-200-6060