I dare you to celebrate Mardi Gras in 2019. Mardi Gras can be many things, but most of all it can be some good old family and friend fun. It’s not all what we see portrayed in tv and movies. There are always a few people who take the fun to another level that is frowned upon by law force, but I am not encouraging this kind of behavior.
Mardi Gras is a day to celebrate the last day of gluttony before Lent. That means it is the last day to enjoy red meat, white bread, cakes, cookies, candies, alcohol and more before the first day of Lent. That being explained, Mardi Gras is just another fantastic day to grab up the kids, load up the car with picnic items, meet up with family and friends and enjoy a good day of fun, food and cheer.
Mardi Gras is celebrated on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. In 2019, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is March 5. While I am not a historian I can recommend a few documentaries that I watched that were very interesting on explaining the history of Mardi Gras.
My first taste of Mardi Gras was in Shreveport/ Bossier, Louisiana. I was impressed with the beautiful floats of the parades. Yes, you read it right. There are many parades offered around the Shreveport/ Bossier area. The below list of parade dates and can be accessed at https://www.shreveport-bossier.org/mardigras/parade-dates/.
Shreveport-Bossier Parade Dates for 2019:
- Krewe of Sobek: Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019
- Krewe of Harambee: Monday, Jan. 21, 2019
- Krewe of Centaur: Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019
- Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Pet Parade: Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019
- Krewe of Gemini: Saturday, Mar. 2, 2019
- Krewe of Highland: Sunday, Mar. 3, 2019
- Childrens Mardi Gras Parade: Tuesday, Mar. 5, 2019
- Fat Tuesday in Shreve Town, A Walking Parade: Tuesday, Mar. 5, 2019
If you can make your way to Shreveport/ Bossier Louisiana I highly recommend it. The casual family fun is such a blast. Kids enjoy catching the beads while adults sit street side tailgating, barbequing, sun baking, or umbrella holding feasting and drinking with friends alongside the parade of music and floats.
What to wear? Don’t fear, but the weather can be unpredictable in Shreveport/ Bossier, so I highly recommend to pack for the warm sunny day to a cold rainy one too. You don’t need to dress up for the parades. Most people wear fun Mardi Gras t-shirts like these. All these shirts are from art created by me, JCV. Go over to my shop and see what all the lovely designs at http://www.JCVCreates.com.
Whatever you do, don’t come to the parade empty handed. Remember to bring seating and your own picnic items. Granted, there will be food and drinks for sale you will want to bring some of your own to prevent too much spending. Start planning your trip now.
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JCV Creates 
A buddy of mine goes to Mardi Gras every year. I tried to talk my wife into going, but until my health improves (and it WILL improve) that dream is pretty much out of the question. Did I tell you I was an actor? Well, I.m an actor and wearing those fabulous costumes would be so much fun. I also love New Orleans jazz. King cakes? I’d pick up one and jam it in my face like a savage heathen.
I’ll get there someday.
M.L. Wilt you are too silly. I can picture you eating that King cake. LOL I would ask you wife for a day pass. You know like a once in a life time day trip to be absolutely selfish and live out that dream. I know it sounds quite silly, but I did that last year. I wanted to go back to Italy to visit. I never had enough money to pay for my husband and I to fly. Then one day plane tickets went to 1/2 price. I called my husband and asked. He knew how bad I really wanted to go. I have a vision board with all my trip plans that was years old. Every year we talked about going. Then when the opportunity finally fell in my lap he let me go. I had the best time in my life. I did nothing scandalous or naughty. I just fulfilled my dream seeing the places I had been before. I think you when you start putting your plans on paper it really makes other’s look at how important it is to you. I am certain that she too has one place she would like to visit.
Good Advice! Thanks.