Mardi Gras is a big celebration before the period of Lent, which is a 40-day observation of fasting and austerity among Christians. In Baton Rouge, this holiday is celebrated by people of all faiths.
Origin of Mardi Gras
The history of Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge is a long and storied one. Mardi Gras — literally “Fat Tuesday” in French — has roots in Medieval Europe and 17th-century France. When the French established colonies in North America, they brought these traditions, then known as Boeuf Gras (“fatted calf”) to Louisiana.
French-Canadian explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived south of New Orleans in 1699 on the Mardi Gras festival date, calling the area “Pointe du Mardi Gras.” The first Mardi Gras in America would be celebrated a few years later, in 1703, at Fort Louis de la Mobile. Bienville would go on to establish New Orleans in 1718.
As early as 1704, secret societies, later known as krewes, were established to create parades, processions and celebrations for the event. By the 1800s, New Orleans Mardi Gras included processions, masked guests, gaslight torches and floats. Newspapers started to print elaborate lithographs and the parade introduced a King of Carnival in 1872.
Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge
In Baton Rouge, Mardi Gras wasn’t embraced as fully as it was in other parts of the state. Until 1857, Mardi Gras-style celebrations were a blend of Mardi Gras and the celebration of the Washington Fire Company, often held on February 22 in honor of George Washington’s birthday.
After the American Civil War, the annual firemen’s parade went on hiatus until 1873. It wasn’t until 1933 that the tradition of Baton Rouge Mardi Gras took off.
That year, an African-American krewe hosted a Zulu parade, which became a tradition in the city. A Zulu king was added to the festivities by 1935. A dance and grand ball were added to the events and these Zulu events continued until 1940. In 1941, the Purple Social Club overtook the organization of the parade and celebrations.
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Traditions
Today, thousands of travelers visit Baton Rouge for Mardi Gras each year. In this city, Mardi Gras celebrations have their own unique culture. Baton Rouge Mardi Gras traditions are decidedly family-friendly, with a focus on feasting and the parade. The Baton Rouge parade has everything from big floats and marching bands to dancing and even dogs in masks and costumes.
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras traditions also include fancy balls and other activities. Many restaurants have special menus for the festivities and almost every bakery and restaurant has its own special traditional king cake.
Get Ready for Mardi Gras
If you’re one of the thousands of people traveling to Baton Rouge for Mardi Gras, book a table at The Gregory. Located inside the Watermark hotel, The Gregory offers fine Southern-style dining with a twist. The innovative menu is based on local ingredients and traditional Louisiana flavors, so you can experience the Baton Rouge food scene. During Mardi Gras, the chefs at The Gregory prepare a menu to help you celebrate, so reserve a table today!
