LAFAYETTE, La. — Mardi Gras is a tradition that spans weeks of festivities, with the grand finale falling on Fat Tuesday, marking the eve of the Lenten season. This year, despite the blustery winds, the spirit of the holiday was alive and well in downtown Lafayette, where the King Gabriel Parade added an extra dose of excitement to the already vibrant celebrations.
For many in Lafayette, Mardi Gras is more than just a day of revelry; it’s a long-standing tradition filled with history and community spirit. Twin brothers Colton and Cameron Guilbeaux were among the many revelers who made their way to the parade, eager to take part in the festive atmosphere. The Guilbeaux brothers have been regular attendees at various parades, including those in Scott and Bonaparte, and this year was no different.
“We’ve been to a few different parades, and each one brings something new,” Colton said, his enthusiasm reflecting the energy of the day. Cameron, sharing his brother’s excitement, noted that the Mardi Gras tradition in Lafayette dates back to 1869. The celebration, however, finds its origins much earlier in the region.
The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in the United States took place in Mobile, Alabama, in 1703. The holiday’s roots can be traced to French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, who, upon arriving at what would become Mobile, named the area “Pointe du Mardi Gras,” inspired by the eve of the holiday. Mobile would go on to host the first Mardi Gras parade in the U.S., setting the stage for the widespread festivities that followed.
In Lafayette, the annual celebration holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially as the holiday’s origins align with Christian traditions leading up to Lent, a time of fasting and reflection. The King Gabriel Parade, one of the key highlights of the day, brought together the community with its signature royal toast from the King himself, a tradition that brings an added touch of excitement and grandeur to the festivities.
For the Guilbeaux brothers, Mardi Gras in Lafayette isn’t just an annual event but a beloved tradition they plan to continue for years to come. “Almost every year, we’re here,” Colton said. Cameron added, “It’s something you can come back to every year, and it’s always a new experience.”
As the final floats passed through the streets and the day began to wind down, revelers reflected on the joy and camaraderie of the celebration. Though the festivities would soon give way to the solemnity of Lent, the memories of Mardi Gras 2025 would linger, leaving many eagerly awaiting next year’s parade.
In Lafayette, Mardi Gras isn’t just a party — it’s a celebration of history, culture, and community, one that continues to bring people together year after year.