Whether you're going to be on a parade route or a horse or dancing at your favorite watering hole Mardi Gras is truly a Louisiana thing. There are other states and cities that like to lay claim to the festivities but in the grand scheme of things they are simply also-rans in the celebration of Fat Tuesday.

Brian Costello is an author and his latest book is called Carnival in Louisiana: Celebrating Mardi Gras from the French Quarter to the Red River. It's a detailed look at how different parts of the state celebrate the season in different ways.

In New Orleans and Lafayette, there will be many parades featuring floats and large krewes of bead throwing revelers. Meanwhile, in other parts of the state, the celebration of the final day before the Lenten Season begins will be quite different.

Costello explained one of the more unique traditions that’s rooted in ancient Catholic tradition.

In Gaines, a rural community on the east bank of Bayou Lafourche in Lafourche Parish, riders actually dismount from trucks and will spank kids if they don’t say their prayers.

Costello also told the Louisiana Radio Network about the tradition of the Courir de Mardi Gras, which goes back to the 18th Century.

Where equestrian riders go from house to house procuring ingredients for communal gumbo at day’s end.

Costello's book is available at retailers across the state or you may order a copy online.

 

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