Growing up in Southwest Louisiana, we celebrated Mardi Gras BIG. By definition, Mardi Gras translates to Fat Tuesday, or the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Its a time of celebration before the season of Lent.
Mardi Gras is known for costumes, beads, masks, parades and king cakes. It defines the saying ‘laissez les bon temps rouler’ – Let the Good Times role! Officially, Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 21, 2023; but here in Austin, the season of merriment has already started.
RELATED READING :: Fat Tuesday…for kids?
Being a Louisiana girl at heart, I have found some local favorites in my 20 years here in the Austin area…the Berry Chantilly king cake from Whole Foods, a Cajun dinner and zydeco music at Evangeline Cafe (8106 Brodie Lane).
Some ways to make your own fun, at home, is to create masks with art supplies; bake your own king cake (try a cinnamon roll recipe), listen to Cajun music, or decorate floats out of shoe boxes and parade around the house. These are all guaranteed ways to bring the fun of Fat Tuesday home to your kiddos.
Looking for more free fun? Check out these upcoming events:
2/17 Music by Charles Thibodeaux and the Austin Cajun Aces at HEB Mueller (7pm – 9pm)
2/18 Mardi Gras Mask and Craft fun at the Willie Mae Kirk Branch Library (11am – 12:30pm)
2/19 Music, Crafts and Drinks at the Hive (4pm-8pm)
Hi from NOLA! Owner of New Orleans Mom so had to read this one! You should give this recipe a try – https://neworleansmom.com/mom-hacks/recipes/the-homemade-king-cake-recipe-with-the-one-weird-ingredient-thatll-knock-your-socks-off/
Thank you!