2011 Mardi Gras Parade/Events Guide for Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Mardi Gras is a southern tradition that is celebrated very heavily in Louisiana and here in the capitol city of Baton Rouge also. The people here love a good party just as they do in our neighboring city of New Orleans, LA which is 68 miles south of Baton Rouge. This year promises to be a fun filled Mardi Gras season with lots of parades rolling though Baton Rouge.

Here is a list of all the parades scheduled to roll in Baton Rouge, Louisiana this Mardi Gras season:

Krewe of Artemis

The Krewe of Artemis is the first all female Krewe in Baton Rouge. It was founded in 2001 and has since grown in members and popularity. The Krewe of Artemis is a family themed parade that traditionally rolls down the streets of downtown Baton Rouge two Fridays before Mardi Gras day at night.

Artemis was a Greek goddess who was known to be a protector of children. She was the daughter of Leto and Zeus, the ruler of the gods. The Krewe of Artemis takes this role seriously and takes part in community events and supports local charities such as Dreams Come True, the Baton Rouge Food Bank, Juvenile Diabetes Association and more.

This year the parade will run on Friday, February 25, 2011 at 6:30 pm. The parade starts at South River Road where floats will line up underneath the interstate and roll down River Road, turn right by the Capitol Annex and Pentagon Barracks, then making a right hand turn onto 3^rd Street. The Krewe of Artemis then travels one block left on Spanish Town Road over to 4^th Street where they take another right turn. The route continues south on 4^th for two blocks, making a left onto Main Street. The Krewe then travels on Main until they reach 9^th Street, making a right for one block, then making another right onto Laurel Street. The Krewe travels down Laurel Street for several blocks until they reach 6^th Street where they will turn left and travel two blocks to Convention Street where they will take a right and travel back to South River Road and back to the origination place where the parade will disband. This has become the "official parade route" for all the Mardi Gras parades rolling in downtown Baton Rouge.

The Krewe of Artemis holds a Soiree each year to elect a new King and Queen to rule the Krewe and introduce all past Kings and Queens. This is a black tie event usually held in January and open to members only. Details were not postd on their website at the time of writing this article.

Krewe Mystique de la Capitale

The Krewe of Mystique rolls down the streets of downtown Baton Rouge on February 26, 2011 at 2:00 pm. It is the oldest parade in Baton Rouge and provides a carnival fun in a family oriented theme. The Krewe Mystique will be celebrating its 34^th year of carnival entertainment this year.

The Krewe of Mystique follows the same parade route as the one listed for Artemis above.

Krewe of Orion

The Krewe of Orion has been delivering the Mardi Gras spirit in Baton Rouge since 1998 and will be hitting the streets of Baton Rouge throwing out those coveted green, purple, and gold Mardi Gras beads on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Orion follows the official downtown parade route as posted above.

The 2011 theme for the Krewe of Orion is "Ain't There No More." All floats will be decorated with the theme of a past landmark in Baton Rouge that no longer exists, but is fondly remembered.

Mardi Gras Mambo 10K

Although this is not a Mardi Gras parade, it is a Mardi Gras themed run and takes place during the Mardi Gras season. That makes it totally appropriate for this Mardi Gras guide! The Mardi Gras Mamo 10K will take place on February 5, 2011. This year marks a new route for the run, which also serves as a qualifier for the Crescent City Classic and the Louisiana Senior Olympics Games. Get the official race route and a registration form here.

Krewe of Southdowns

The Krewe of Southdowns is a load of fun and the most family-friendly Mardi Gras parade in Baton Rouge. It rolls through the neighborhood of Southdowns subdivision, which has been the traditional route since the Krewe established.
The Krewe of Southdowns parade will be held on Friday night, March 4, 2011. It begins at 7:00 pm. The parade route can be viewed here.

Spanish Town Mardi Gras Ball and Parade

The Spanish Town Mardi Gras Ball will be held on February 12, 2011 at 7:00 pm. The 2011 Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade rolls on March 5, 2011 at noon. This year's theme is "BP Blows and Wiki Leaks."

This year marks the 31^st annual running of the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade. The Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade is considered to be adult themed in nature because you never know what you will see on a float in this parade. It's definitely risqué at times.

The parade starts east of the State Capitol on Spanish Town and winds downtown. Click for the complete parade route.

Krewe of Jupiter

The Krewe of Jupiter will take to the streets of Baton Rouge on February 19, 2011. I could not find any details on the parade route at the time of writing but wanted to list it here for those wanting to hit several of the parades in Baton Rouge. You can check on updates via their website.

Mystic Krewe of Mutts Dog Parade

Now who says dogs don't celebrate Mardi Gras? The dogs in Baton Rouge do! Details have not been posted to their website yet, but the Mystic Krewe of Mutts romp on Sunday, February 20, 2011. Check their website for the parade route.

Krewe of Poseidon

The Krewe of Poseidon is a co-de Krewe that was formed in 2009. It's fairly new to the scene, but welcome, none the less. The more the merrier when it comes to Mardi Gras fun.

The Krewe of Poseidon rolls on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 5:00 pm along the traditional downtown parade route.

You won't find as many Mardi Gras parades in Baton Rouge as New Orleans, but you can still count on a good time. Most of the parades in Baton Rouge are family oriented and best of all, free! Can you "Throw Me Somethin', Mister?"

Source:

WAFB