With parades and balls canceled, it’s easy to feel down in the dumps this Carnival season. Although it’s not the Mardi Gras we’re used to, we can still celebrate! Check out our Sweet Baton Rouge guide to celebrate Mardi Gras in 2021.
Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge
House Floats
The Krewe of Mid City Gras has not given up on Mardi Gras 2021. turned their annual parade into a reverse “MASKerade". Take a drive down North Boulevard on February 7th and gaze upon these amazing house floats. More information here.
You Can’t Cancel King Cake!
I would really like to take this moment to appreciate King Cake. We’re thinking about it this year more than ever because it seems like all we have. But really, King Cake has always been here for us. When you can’t make it to a parade because of work, King Cake is there for you–There is no PTO for King Cake! When you don’t have a ticket to the glitzy, exclusive ball, you need NO invitation to eat King Cake! Plus, no one can judge you because it’s only once a year.
So here's to King Cake! Show us why you love King Cake by participating in this year's King Cake Challenge. Simply take a photo showing your love for your favorite King Cake and local bakery and share it using the hashtags #kingcakechallenge and #kingcakecaloriesdontcount.
Visit New Orleans
If you just cannot stand the idea of being away from New Orleans during Mardi Gras, there is hope yet.
House Floats Parade of New Orleans
You cannot deny the creativity, spirit, and perseverance of our community. Especially the Krewe members who have turned their homes into these really interesting and beautiful House Floats. It’s worth taking a drive on a beautiful day to help get you in the Mardi Gras spirit in 2021! You can get the home-float parade route here.
Photo credits: @MagazineStreet
Mardi Gras Attractions in New Orleans
You may know the best spots on the parade routes, but do you know the history of Mardi Gras? Take this opportunity to learn about its history, and you will appreciate the future even more!
- Take a Tour of Mardi Gras World
- Visit Famous Museums & Galleries: State Museum for the Carnival Exhibition, and The George Rodrigue Art Studio.
At Home
Getting In The Spirit at Home!
It’s time to decorate your home for Mardi Gras like you would at Christmas. Find your favorite Mardi Gras playlist on Spotify and deck the halls.
First, remember, to bring a smile, it has to be personal! Be sure to focus on your favorite Mardi Gras tradition when you're decorating your homes.
What's your favorite parade? Those of us born and raised in Baton Rouge are missing those bright pink flamingos and political commentary (seriously, how great would it have been this year?) from our beloved Spanish Town Parade. Whatever icon symbolizes your favorite parade should be on display in your home.
Then, start with what you have at home–like all those Mardi Gras beads!
- Make a Mardi Gras Bead Tray in 10 minutes!
- Decorate your empty wine bottles
- Line flower and succulent pots
- Make a Mardi Gras Bead hanging planter
Lastly, shop locally for the final touches! Many local artists and makers love to get creative during the Carnival season. Baton Rouge Stores like Parties Start Here, The Royal Standard, and Sweet Baton Rouge (of course), have the items you need to celebrate Mardi Gras in 2021. You can find your favorite from New Orleans boutiques, too, such as Fleurty Girl or Home Malone NOLA.
When all else fails...
Watch The Princess and The Frog! Add some some beignet bites from The Vintage to enjoy while watching instead of popcorn!
The Good Times Are Still Rollin'
We don't let anything make us feel blue here in Louisiana. Although we might have to change how we celebrate, there is nothing that can stop us from celebrating Mardi Gras in 2021!
Don't forget to swing by and pick up your favorite Mardi Gras shirt for this year's at-home celebrations from the Sweet Baton Rouge Flagship or online. And if you have a great idea about how to celebrate Mardi Gras this year, we would love to hear it! Tag us @SweetBatonRougeInsider in your post and tell us all about it.
