Mardi Gras in Iberia Parish

When people hear the words Grand Marais, the first thing they think of is Mardi Gras.  The uniqueness about the Grand Marais Mardi Gras celebration is that there is no theme.  Most Mardi Gras Krewes have themes, but not in Grand Marais.  You just go with the flow and it is what it is. Grand Marais is a 4-night party event that starts on the Friday before Mardi Gras and goes on through the Monday night.  Each night there are costume competitions of the following categories:  Ugliest, Most Original, Original Screen Mask Bedon’, Prettiest Female and Male Bedon’ Costume and the Prettiest Female and Male Costume.  The term Bedon’ is a cone shaped hat made of a posterboard and is covered with fabric and embellished with sequins, rhinestones, etc. with stunning costumes.  On the last night (Monday night) of the Mardi Gras party and costume competition, the King and Queen who will reign and ride in the Grand Marais Mardi Gras parade on Fat Tuesday, are chosen.   The next day (Fat Tuesday) Krewes, float riders, bands, dance groups, etc. are up early to get ready for the annual Mardi Gras parade.