For the record, I’m not Catholic. I’m Methodist. But I’ve long admired the Mardi Gras traditions that make Louisiana so unique. Say you’re from Louisiana, and people immediately mention Mardi Gras, alongside New Orleans.
While most envision Mardi Gras as towering floats and packed parades in the south, our version in northwest Louisiana is just as special. It is rooted in community, tradition, and local pride. In fact, Mardi Gras celebrations in our region date back to the 1920s.
Here, Mardi Gras is about accessibility and connection. You don’t need to plan months ahead or fight through crowds. You’ll see familiar faces—coaches, teachers, neighbors—throwing beads to kids lined up on the sidewalks. It’s celebration in its most authentic, community-based form.
Beyond the parades, the season marks cherished family traditions. That includes hunting for the best king cake, donning purple, green and gold, and enjoying local krewe events. It’s also a time for reflection, as Mardi Gras ushers in the Lenten season. This is a reminder of balance and renewal.
The economic impact is also worth noting. Local businesses thrive during Mardi Gras. Bakeries sell out of king cakes, restaurants fill up, and downtowns across the region come alive with music and shoppers. Mardi Gras in our communities is both cultural and commercial. For some small businesses, this season helps bridge the slower months of the year.
And our local krewes do more than parade. They serve all year. Gemini and Centaur in Shreveport-Bossier have built decades of tradition. In Webster Parish, Krewes des Ambassadeurs, Artemis, and Nemesis help anchor the celebration alongside Main Street Minden’s Fasching festivities. These groups give back through fundraising and community support, making a difference far beyond the beads and floats.
My own family has deep roots in the Krewe of Gemini. I was a member for a decade, and my wife, mother-in-law, and father-in-law also served. We made lasting memories, and now it’s the next generation’s turn. Being part of a krewe teaches service, creativity, and fellowship, and provides plenty of fun along the way.
When the beads are packed away and the last slice of king cake is eaten, what remains is what matters most. That is the shared sense of celebration and community. That’s Mardi Gras at its finest..
Randy Brown is Regional Publisher and Executive VP of Specht Newspapers, Inc.