Welcome to La Crosse Mardi Gras

Check out the video for Mardi Gras 2013 right here.

What is La Crosse Mardi Gras?

La Crosse Mardi Gras is a family-oriented celebration uniting the families of La Crosse and surrounding communities in fun, food, and fellowship for a good cause. Since 1991, Mardi Gras has helped provide tuition assistance for the families of Aquinas Catholic Schools (ACS).

Mardi Gras Ball

As with the Mardi Gras festivals in Louisiana, La Crosse Mardi Gras is centered around a Rex and Queen and their faithful “Krewes of Carnivale,” each represented by a Lord and Lady. There is one krewe for each of the local Catholic parishes involved in ACS: Blessed Sacrament, Cathedral, Holy Trinity, Mary, Mother of the Church, Roncalli Newman Center and St. Patrick’s. These krewes, along with the reigning Rex and Queen, make Mardi Gras a very special event. Each year, the krewes creatively reinvent themselves with innovative themes.  See the Event Schedule for details, or Order Tickets now.

Carnivale

The newly appointed Rex and Queen preside over the ball and the krewe parties that lead up to the Carnivale. This family/community festival is the highlight of the Rex and Queen’s reign and is held midwinter to chase away cabin fever. At Carnivale, you can sample foods that please any palate—like cajun chili, root beer floats, jambalaya, brats and kraut, crepes, hot dogs, and more! There is also an endless parade of talent on the stages at Mardi Gras with area show choirs, karate demonstrations, juggling, clowns, etc. Try your hand at one of the many Carnivale games, inflatables and face painting. There is also a raffle for the adults which, in the past, has offered cash prizes, airline tickets (courtesy of Travel Professionals, Inc. and Delta Airlines), and gift certificates to Rose Jewelers.  See the Event Schedule for details or Order Tickets now.

What do we do the rest of the year?

We support local festivals, lending our flair and flamboyance to events like Applefest, Oktoberfest, and Jazzfest to name a few. Mardi Gras, like other local fests, strives to bring the community together for fun and fellowship.