Courir De Mardi Gras 2022
Courir de Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday Run) is a yearly celebration that takes place in south Louisiana. This rural Cajun French celebration is held by several communities, and it has a long tradition. It started with medieval rituals and now has an annual following of more than 2,000 participants.
In many rural areas of Acadia Parish, women formed the first courirs. Today, there are a variety of courirs in south Louisiana. Some of them, like the Basile Courir de Mardi Gras, allow female participants to run while others are limited to men.
The courir de Mardi Gras is different from the more well-known “Fat Tuesday Run”. In both of these events, participants go door to door asking for food. Participants in the courir are required to dress in a costume, which includes a mask and a hat. These masks are used for anonymity. People in disguise can be a fun and interesting part of any courir.
During the courir, participants sing a song led by the Fruge. They then exchange dances for food, such as boudin, nickels, and rice. Each event is a bit different, and there are usually extra running events for children.
The courir de Mardi gras in Mamou is one of the most popular runs in Louisiana. This run is unique because the route alternates every other year. One year, the route goes west down Bieber Road, then turns east on Mike Lane. Another year, the route will turn onto Oberlin Road. Finally, it will come back through Mamou to the end of the parade route.
The courir de Mardi is a family-friendly event that has a long history. The Eunice Courir de Mardi Gras has more than 2,000 participants, and it continues to grow each year. There are also a series of Cajun concerts and other events during the five-day festival.
A documentary titled, Mardi Gras in the Country, by filmmaker Pat Mire, explores the secrets of the courir. In addition to revealing the secrets of the courir, Mire shows how the courir de Mardi Gras in rural Louisiana began. Many of the courirs were abandoned during World War II, but they were revived in the 1960s.
Women’s courirs have been around for more than 50 years. They started in Basile and Tee-Mamou, and they have since spread to other communities. Runners in the courir wear tall hats called capuchons. To join the courir, you have to register two hours before the run begins. You must purchase a hat and a mask.
For spectators, the route passes through the Savoy Care Center, a local nursing home. The courir starts on Saturday, February 21, and ends on Sunday, March 1. Spectators are welcome to watch from any location along the courir’s route. The courir is open to the public, and you can participate by walking the route or joining the courir after the first few miles.
After the courir is complete, there will be a celebration with music and dancing in downtown Mamou. A variety of local Cajun bands will play.