Lafayette Parade Schedule 2023: A Guide To The Best Parades Of The Year
Introduction
As a resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, I have always been a big fan of the lively parades that take place in the city throughout the year. From Mardi Gras to Christmas, there is never a shortage of festive events to attend. In this article, I will share my personal experience attending these parades, as well as provide you with a detailed guide to the Lafayette Parade Schedule for 2023.
List of Events and Competitions
The Lafayette Parade Schedule is packed with exciting events and competitions, including:
- Mardi Gras Parades
- Festival International de Louisiane Parade
- Independence Day Parade
- Lafayette Christmas Parade
- Krewe of Rio Parade
- Lafayette Parish Fair Parade
Mardi Gras Parades
The Mardi Gras Parades are undoubtedly the most popular events on the Lafayette Parade Schedule. These parades take place in February or March and feature colorful floats, marching bands, and lots of beads. Some of the most well-known Mardi Gras Parades in Lafayette include:
- Krewe of Bonaparte Parade
- Krewe of Gabriel Parade
- Krewe of Victoria Parade
- Krewe of Rio Parade
Festival International de Louisiane Parade
The Festival International de Louisiane Parade is a must-see event for music lovers. This parade takes place in April and features musicians from all over the world. The parade is the culmination of the week-long Festival International de Louisiane, which celebrates the music, art, and culture of Lafayette.
Independence Day Parade
The Independence Day Parade is a family-friendly event that takes place on July 4th. The parade features patriotic floats, marching bands, and lots of candy for the kids. The parade route runs through downtown Lafayette and ends at Cajun Field.
Lafayette Christmas Parade
The Lafayette Christmas Parade is a beloved holiday tradition in the city. This parade takes place in December and features festive floats, marching bands, and appearances by Santa Claus himself. The parade route runs through downtown Lafayette and ends at the Cajundome.
Detail Schedule Guide
If you are planning to attend any of the parades on the Lafayette Parade Schedule, it is important to know the details of each event. Here is a guide to the schedule for each parade:
Mardi Gras Parades
The exact dates and times of the Mardi Gras Parades vary from year to year. However, they typically take place on the two weekends leading up to Mardi Gras Day. The parades usually start in the afternoon and run into the evening.
Festival International de Louisiane Parade
The Festival International de Louisiane Parade takes place on the last day of the festival, which is usually a Sunday in late April. The parade starts at 1:00 pm and lasts for about 2 hours.
Independence Day Parade
The Independence Day Parade takes place on July 4th, starting at 5:00 pm. The parade route runs through downtown Lafayette and ends at Cajun Field.
Lafayette Christmas Parade
The Lafayette Christmas Parade takes place on the first Sunday in December, starting at 1:00 pm. The parade route runs through downtown Lafayette and ends at the Cajundome.
Schedule Table
Here is a schedule table for the Lafayette Parade Schedule 2023:
| Parade | Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mardi Gras Parades | February/March | Afternoon | Evening |
| Festival International de Louisiane Parade | April | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm |
| Independence Day Parade | July 4th | 5:00 pm | N/A |
| Lafayette Christmas Parade | December | 1:00 pm | N/A |
Question and Answer Section
Q: What should I wear to the parades?
A: It is recommended to dress in comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be standing or walking for long periods of time. It is also common to wear festive clothing or costumes, especially for Mardi Gras.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks to the parades?
A: Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks to the parades. However, glass containers and alcohol are typically not allowed.
Q: What is the best spot to watch the parades?
A: The best spot to watch the parades is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, many people enjoy watching the parades from the Lafayette downtown area, as it offers a great view of the floats and marching bands.
FAQs
Q: Are the parades free to attend?
A: Yes, all of the parades on the Lafayette Parade Schedule are free to attend.
Q: Are the parades family-friendly?
A: Yes, all of the parades on the Lafayette Parade Schedule are family-friendly.
Q: Can I participate in the parades?
A: Yes, some of the parades on the Lafayette Parade Schedule allow for public participation. Check the specific parade’s website for more information on how to participate.