Mardi Gras: the term ‘Mardi Gras’ encompasses an entire six-week period of festivities, which include masked balls, parades, street parties and feasting. Originally introduced by French colonists, visitors can see some of the region’s best musicians and enjoy firework displays, with Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras Day being the real highlights.
New Year’s Day: with New Year’s celebrations largely taking place on the eve before, New Year’s Day itself tends to be a day of rest and recuperation. It is a public holiday and you will find that most businesses shut for business and public transport is very limited.
St Joseph’s Day: observed on 19 March, this day honours the Sicilian patron saint, with Baton Rouge’s Catholic population inviting friend and family to feast at their homes.
French Quarter Festival: held in New Orleans in early April, this three-day music event offers jazz, food stalls parades and talent contests, with the focus being on the music.
Festival International de Louisiane: head to neighbouring Lafayette for this week-long festival in April. Attracting French-speakers from across the globe, people gather to celebrate Louisiana’s indigenous food and music.
Jazz Fest: New Orleans’ most highlighted music event, visitors can enjoy two weekends in jazz in early May, with all genres covered, from gospel to blues and Cajun to R&B.
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival: make sure you don’t miss the first weekend in May, when nearby Breaux Bridge hosts this celebrating in honour of the crawfish. Expect to see cook-offs, eating competitions, mudbug racing and plenty of song and dance in true Southern style.
Memorial Day: celebrated at the end of May, this day commemorates those US citizens who have died in military service, with church services being held and war memorials being enshrined with poppy wreaths. Gatherings of servicemen for memorial services around the USS KIDD, docked at Baton Rouge, and Memorial Plaza are to be expected.
Independence Day: celebrated country-wide on the 4 July, this public holiday sees the US population out picnicking, saluting the flag, partying and participating in firework displays. Baton Rouge is no exception in its commemorations of the day the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
Labour Day: the Labour Day weekend is celebrated with fervour in Baton Rouge, with everything from fireworks to parties and musical celebrations. Expect this weekend to be action-packed with events.
Festivals Acadiens: held in Lafayette in late September, this three-day event mainly focuses on music including French, Cajun and zydeco bands, while crafts and food also features.
Halloween: the 31 October sees the youth of Baton Rouge take to the streets in costume to go ‘trick or treating’. The idea is to go knocking on your neighbours’ doors, asking them if they would like to choose ‘trick or treat’. If they don’t supply you with a treat, which is usually of the candy or chocolate variety, then in theory, you can go ahead and play a trick on them.
Thanksgiving: normally falling at the end of November, this public holiday is a family-centred event, where a traditional meal consisting of roast turkey, stuffing and homemade cranberry sauce are devoured after giving thanks for all that we have.
Christmas Day: the most celebrated event of the year, involving gift-giving, carol singing, the decorating of Christmas trees and gorging on delicacies. Expect to see homes around Baton Rouge adorned and illuminated with lights.
