Louisiana Mardi Gras Tradition That Many Never Knew Existed

Mardi Gras in South Louisiana is filled with traditions but after a recent conversation with a family member, I was educated on one tradition that I never knew existed.

Sure, we all know about the Courier de Mardi Gras where those participating hit the countryside and make frequent stops to obtain ingredients for gumbo. And then there are the costumes that are worn that have a historical meaning, but did know that there was a time when Marid Gras resembled Halloween?

I recently spoke to a family member who told me that kids many years ago would go to town to watch those running Marid Gras leave town for their run, and then the kids would return home and prepare for their own "run."

No, kids didn't get on their horses and seek ingredients for a gumbo, but they would get dressed up and begin their journey through town. I was told that when there was no entertainment on Mardi Gras day in Mamou, Louisiana, kids would go door-to-door and ask for candy while wishing homeowners a Happy Mardi Gras.

If this sounds familiar, it's because this sounds similar to what we still do for Halloween with Trick-or-Treating, but this was happening on Mardi Gras day. Kids were getting candy from homeowners on Mardi Gras day, and they'd be on their way.

Once done, I am told kids would then return to the center of town to watch those who ran Mardi Gras return with the ingredients for the gumbo.

Now, there's so much entertainment for Mardi Gras, the days of going door-to-door are long gone, but what a nice piece of history for some who were raised in small towns.

However, a new tradition for kids in many small communities can be found as kids participate in their own "run" leading up to Mardi Gras, and it is a precious tradition. Take a look.