From Christmas to Carnival: Twelfth Night Kicks Off the Party in Style!

Ah, Twelfth Night! It's the day when we in Southwest Louisiana kick off the Mardi Gras season with a bang. Falling on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas, Twelfth Night marks the beginning of the Carnival season, leading up to Mardi Gras Day. It's a time when the holiday spirit lingers, and the community comes together to celebrate our rich traditions.

In Lake Charles, the heart of Southwest Louisiana, we host the annual Twelfth Night Extravaganza. This lively event takes place at the Lake Charles Civic Center, where doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. The evening features a mini-parade with members of various krewes, those are our local social clubs that organize Mardi Gras events, showcasing their vibrant costumes and last years Royal Court. It's a family-friendly affair, with music, dancing, and a chance for attendees to win grand prizes. If you're lucky enough to find a "baby" in your slice of King Cake, you might just walk away with a lavish gift from local merchants.

Speaking of King Cake, this delicious treat is a staple of our Twelfth Night celebrations. Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden inside the cake, symbolizing luck and prosperity. Whoever finds the baby is expected to host the next Mardi Gras party or provide the next King Cake, keeping the festive spirit alive throughout the season.

So, if you find yourself in Southwest Louisiana on January 6th, join us for Twelfth Night. Experience, savor the King Cake, and immerse yourself in the traditions that make our Mardi Gras season truly special. It's a celebration of culture, community, and the enduring spirit of Louisiana.

For more information on Twelfth Night events in Lake Charles, you can visit the official tourism website: VisitLakeCharles.org