"My family loves Mardi Gras! We like to attend both of the parades! We put on our cutest Mardi Gras attire, grab our lawn chairs and head out early to get a good spot on the routes! It’s a tradition we love, as we get to spend time with family and friends. It’s great fellowship and nice, clean fun! We always get a cream cheese King Cake to enjoy!" - Arnetra King

"We love to score a King Cake from Caster & Chicory. We host a parade watch party at my office in downtown. Friends, family & clients get together, listen to New Orleans Jazz, eat good food and fellowship. Watching the joy in the kids eyes is the best part!" - Jennifer Zimmerman

"One of our traditions is to always attend the Mardi Gras festivities in downtown West Monroe including the pet parade, Jester Jog and all the other fun activities happening that day." - Courtney Hornsby

"My friends and I gather outside of Enoch’s, hangout, order food, enjoy live music and then catch the parades as they roll past Enoch’s. Everyone always comes dressed in their best Mardi Gras attire!" – Claire Stapp

"Every year we eat a ton of king cake. Our two favorites are Caster and Chicory and Allbritton’s. Last year with the parade happening during travel ball season, we set up a flat bed trailer on Trenton St, and the baseball team hung out together for the day." – David Cole

"Our traditions include king cakes, parades, gumbo with potato salad, gumbo with baked sweet potato, catching & cleaning fish to prepare for Fish on Friday, consuming great food & beverage to prepare for abstention during lent, and Super bowl parties depending on the calendar for each year. Then lots of Mass." - Josh Hays

Whether it's hosting a vibrant masquerade party, trying your hand at crafting colorful masks, or savoring the flavors of Louisiana cuisine in your own kitchen, let the spirit of Mardi Gras inspire you to create moments of joy and celebration. So, grab your beads, don your most festive attire, and embrace the Mardi Gras spirit, making this season uniquely yours!