Jeanerette, LA – The much-anticipated 2025 Jeanerette Mardi Gras Parade, organized by the Jeanerette Mardi Gras Association, was canceled on Sunday morning, just hours before it was set to roll. The cancellation came after heavy rain made the event unsafe for participants, spectators, and volunteers.
The decision to call off the parade was announced by the Jeanerette Mardi Gras Association on social media early Sunday. Despite weeks of uncertainty surrounding the city’s Mardi Gras plans, the final decision was made after an emergency meeting held by the association on Monday night.
The association’s board discussed possible alternatives, including rescheduling the parade, but a series of obstacles made that option unfeasible. Among the challenges were a lack of available police officers to provide public safety on an alternate date, as well as the fact that the only available day for the parade, the following Sunday, coincided with the Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade.
In light of these complications, the board announced that all parade entry fees would be refunded. Refunds will be processed on March 15th at the King Joseph Recreation Center, with specific times to be announced later.
“We understand the disappointment and frustration surrounding the cancellation. This decision was not made lightly, and we are committed to making future celebrations even more special,” said a spokesperson for the Jeanerette Mardi Gras Association.
Parade participants have already been contacted regarding the refund process. The association expressed its gratitude to the community for their patience and understanding during this challenging time.
While the cancellation left many disappointed, the Mardi Gras spirit was far from dampened in Jeanerette. Local residents, like Pius Willis, had anticipated the parade’s cancellation due to the weather, but were undeterred in their Mardi Gras celebrations.
“We kind of knew since yesterday it wasn’t going to happen,” said Willis. “They should’ve pushed it to yesterday if they wanted to have it, but I knew today it wasn’t going to happen.”
Linda Peters, a Jeanerette resident and relative of Willis, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Mardi Gras is more than just a parade. “Mardi Gras is not just about culture; it’s about family and fellowship, and everything we do in Acadiana is surrounded by food and family,” she said. Peters and her family plan to attend the Grand Marais Mardi Gras parade next weekend instead.
The cancellation also affected security arrangements, with Jeanerette Police Chief Terrence Moore confirming the cancellation of coordinated security measures, which had involved out-of-town personnel.
As the association works through the logistics of the refund process, they remain hopeful for future Mardi Gras celebrations. Another meeting is expected to take place on Monday night, where further updates may be provided.
Despite the setbacks, the people of Jeanerette continue to keep the Mardi Gras spirit alive, celebrating the occasion with family and community, regardless of the canceled parade.