Before you get started, make sure there is an adult to help out when needed. Okay, here we go! The Mardi Gras parades we know today include high-stepping marching bands, colorful-sometimes funny costumes and masks, wildly decorated floats filled with happy people throwing Mardi Gras beads, doubloons, cups, and many other things! There is also music, lots and lots of music! You might even feel like dancing and if you do, dance, laugh, and have lots of fun.
Mardi Gras parades also have fun themes (the big idea of the parade), a Queen and King, a Grand Marshall, and a Mardi Gras Ball!
In the Twin Cities, we have two Mardi Gras parades the Krewe de Riviere and the Krewe of Janus. Let's learn about each parade!
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The crowd is yelling, "Throw me something, Mister!" | You might catch some doubloons at a Mardi Gras parade. |
Krewe de Riviere
Twin Cities' Krewe de Riviere Mardi Gras Parade
Date: 2/08/25
Time: 5:00 pm
Route: The parade will begin on Nth 7th St., next turn will be left on Mill St. where it will cross the Lea Joyner Bridge into Monroe, the parade route officially ends at the intersection of Louisville Ave. and Washington St.
Cost: FREE
You're invited to the Out of this World - 5th Annual Mardi Gras Parade. Come line the streets to welcome floats, bands, dance groups, cars and entertainers.
Krewe of Janus - Mardi Gras Parade
Date: 2/15/25
Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Theme: Janus Flies to the Moon
Queen XLII: Kathie Spradling
King XLII: Robert MCCaa
Route: The parade starts in West Monroe at 1118 Natchitoches St. at 6:00 pm the parade ends at Oliver Rd., Monroe, LA.
Cost: FREE
The Twin Cities’ Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras parade will celebrate its 42nd year of Mardi Gras tradition and flavor in the Twin Cities in 2025. The Twin Cities' Krewe of Janus Parade has entertained revelers since 1984 who eagerly gather along the 3.8-mile route through West Monroe and Monroe. The KOJ Parade is Northeast Louisiana’s oldest and most recognized Mardi Gras Parade. The parade includes nearly 50 units featuring several High School bands! The Parade has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Tourism Events in the South for three consecutive years as well as a Top 10 Attraction by the Southeastern Tourism Association. This year's featured group is the 501st Legion (this group looks like Stormtroopers).
For details about all of the 2024 parade activities, go to the 2024 Monroe-West Monroe Mardi Gras Guide made possible by CC's Coffee House of Monroe. If you want the scoop on awesome places to get King Cake and other Mardi Gras treats, we've got you covered with our 2024 King Cake Guide!
History of Mardi Gras
Let's learn about the history of Mardi Gras by watching this fun video. You are going to learn when Mardi Gras first started and also about some of the fun foods that are eaten during Carnival Season.
You Can Make Your Own King Cake!
This will be so much fun, and it will be so yummy! Are you ready?
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I bet your kitchen smells wonderful! Make sure you let your King Cake cool down before you take a big bite and don't forget to share.
See how ours turned out!
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