Louisiana is a lively state, full of music and interesting culture. There are plenty of year-round events to keep you entertained in this diverse state, mostly involving food and jazz. So check out a Louisiana festival while on your vacation, some of which we have outlined here.
Probably the king of all Louisiana events is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Scheduled every year on the day before Ash Wednesday, this festival is a traditional celebration before the fasting begins on the Christian calendar. The celebration started in 1827 when the Spanish, who banned dancing in the streets, lost power. The French elite started having parties and masquerade balls. Eventually the commoners joined in with a party on the streets. Today, Mardi Gras, is considered the holy grail of all New Orleans events. Costumes, floats, parties, “throws” (like the famous colored New Orleans beads) and everyone partying until midnight on Fat Tuesday. This event is not for the weak of heart, it can be crowded and you might see the flashing of skin that has grown popular over the last several years. One of the best known events in New Orleans, it is something that is a once in a lifetime experience. Book early as flights and hotels can be sold out months in advance for this Louisiana festival.
Another granddaddy of New Orleans events is the Jazz fest that takes place in April and May each year. Celebrating the heritage of New Orleans as the birthplace of jazz, you can see a plethora of talented artists in this historic town. There are tents and stages set up all over to celebrate this fantastic event. There are even crafts booths celebrating the local African heritage and other crafts vendor for jewelry, glass painting and even artist demonstrations. This is one of the New Orleans events that is a must see!
You can find plenty of year round events in New Orleans,
which are some of the best in the country. There
are sports events at the Superdome like the Sugar Bowl
in January. There is also the St Patrick’s
Day parade and the Irish-Italian parades in New Orleans,
which are something like small Mardi Gras presentations.
Other events in New Orleans include the French
Quarter Wine Festival which runs March – May
and the French Market tomato festival in June.
Since Louisiana is famous for its food, you won’t want to miss these Louisiana events: the Louisiana Peach Festival in Ruston (nearby Shreveport), the Lacombe Crab Cook-Off Festival in Lacombe (Southeast of Baton Rouge), or the Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival in Mandeville (North of New Orleans).
For really unusual Louisiana events, try the Shrimp
and Alligator festivals in September or the Voodoo Music
festival in October. And for Christmas, from Baton
Rouge to New Orleans there are bonfires lit along
the Mississippi River to help “Papa Noel”
find his way down the river. Afterwards, join the
Cajun Christmas celebration in Houma (nearby New Orleans),
with a boat parade and a parade with Papa Noel.
There are far too many exciting events in New Orleans and Louisiana, to list here. No matter the time of year, you are sure to find a Louisiana festival that will entertain and delight. Experiencing a Louisiana festival should be at the top of you things-to-do list in New Orleans or while visiting the great state of Louisiana.
Since Louisiana is famous for its food, you won’t want to miss these Louisiana events: the Louisiana Peach Festival in Ruston (nearby Shreveport), the Lacombe Crab Cook-Off Festival in Lacombe (Southeast of Baton Rouge), or the Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival in Mandeville (North of New Orleans).
