After a dreary two months of winter, everyone can use some good cheer. That’s exactly what visitors to St. Louis can expect during Soulard Mardi Gras. It’s the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S.
New Orleans, that other city with French roots a bit farther south which also sits on the Mississippi River, claims the number one position.
The Soulard Mardi Gras is a lot like the Crescent City, though. There will be an ample amount of beads, beer and parades, along with Cajun and creole food, music and costumed characters.
In most cities around the world that throw a party to commemorate the beginning of the Lenten season, the hoopla is known as either Mardi Gras or Carnival. The latter comes from the Latin word carnelevarium, which means “removal of meat.” On Fat Tuesday, the end of Carnival that occurs on Feb. 21 in 2023, Catholics get rid of rich, fatty foods, including meat, eggs, cream and butter. During the days leading up to Lent, those foods are consumed with abandon.
The Catholic church in St. Louis has long maintained a strong link to the local community. But the Mardi Gras celebration in the Gateway City came much later than the first known Mardi Gras festival, which was held by French settlers in Mobile, Alabama in 1703.
St. Louis’ Mardi Gras is a relative newcomer. It dates back to February 1980 when a group of five friends decided to have a house party. Failing to come up with a suitable theme, they settled on Mardi Gras. Each subsequent year, it grew to the point where many events now have corporate sponsors. Nowadays, the Soulard Mardi Gras draws thousands of annual visitors and generates more than $20 million in economic activity.
The look and feel of the Soulard neighborhood also contribute to the festivities. The French-inspired architecture throughout the area features second-story wrought iron balconies. The narrow tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks allow visitors to check out several dozen bars, restaurants and shops. The unique architecture is also a good photo opportunity, says Soulard resident Jeanne Kirby.
Local Knowledge
Jeanne Kirby and Bonita Leiber, both Soulard residents and veterans of the Mardi Gras experience, recommended it to anyone, locals and out-of-towners alike. Leiber has been a Soulard Mardi Gras parade organizer for more than 25 years. She said the pet parade is the most family-friendly of the weekend’s events.
“I always suggest it to people who have children,” Leiber says. “It’s a wonderful day. There’s also a weiner dog derby. It’s a very nice day to be out there because kids can get beads, too.”
Kirby says the Bud Light Grand Parade is another must-see event.
“Some krewes build their float the night before and others work on them for three months. If you’ve never been to a parade like this, it’s just a really fun feeling.”
The theme of the 2023 parade is “That’s Entertainment,” says Leiber, the creative director. Besides floats displaying that theme, the goal of the parade organizers is to really entertain the crowd.
Lodging and Parking
If you’re planning to attend the 2023 Soulard Mardi Gras, book lodging soon. Suburban locations will offer the best value, but getting to Soulard will take a bit longer. The area is just south of downtown St. Louis and due to the popularity of the event, parking is not simple. Soulard streets are cordoned off and can only be accessed by locals with special parking passes. Your best choice is public transportation. There will be plenty of taxis and rideshare cars running. Another good option is park downtown and take a shuttle. Metro buses operate a special Mardi Gras shuttle on Saturday, February 18. Go to MetroStLouis.org for more information.
Visit STLMardiGras.org for up-to-date details on Soulard Mardi Gras activities.
New Orleans, that other city with French roots a bit farther south which also sits on the Mississippi River, claims the number one position.
The Soulard Mardi Gras is a lot like the Crescent City, though. There will be an ample amount of beads, beer and parades, along with Cajun and creole food, music and costumed characters.
The Catholic church in St. Louis has long maintained a strong link to the local community. But the Mardi Gras celebration in the Gateway City came much later than the first known Mardi Gras festival, which was held by French settlers in Mobile, Alabama in 1703.
St. Louis’ Mardi Gras is a relative newcomer. It dates back to February 1980 when a group of five friends decided to have a house party. Failing to come up with a suitable theme, they settled on Mardi Gras. Each subsequent year, it grew to the point where many events now have corporate sponsors. Nowadays, the Soulard Mardi Gras draws thousands of annual visitors and generates more than $20 million in economic activity.
The look and feel of the Soulard neighborhood also contribute to the festivities. The French-inspired architecture throughout the area features second-story wrought iron balconies. The narrow tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks allow visitors to check out several dozen bars, restaurants and shops. The unique architecture is also a good photo opportunity, says Soulard resident Jeanne Kirby.
Jeanne Kirby and Bonita Leiber, both Soulard residents and veterans of the Mardi Gras experience, recommended it to anyone, locals and out-of-towners alike. Leiber has been a Soulard Mardi Gras parade organizer for more than 25 years. She said the pet parade is the most family-friendly of the weekend’s events.
“I always suggest it to people who have children,” Leiber says. “It’s a wonderful day. There’s also a weiner dog derby. It’s a very nice day to be out there because kids can get beads, too.”
Kirby says the Bud Light Grand Parade is another must-see event.
“Some krewes build their float the night before and others work on them for three months. If you’ve never been to a parade like this, it’s just a really fun feeling.”
The theme of the 2023 parade is “That’s Entertainment,” says Leiber, the creative director. Besides floats displaying that theme, the goal of the parade organizers is to really entertain the crowd.
Lodging and Parking
If you’re planning to attend the 2023 Soulard Mardi Gras, book lodging soon. Suburban locations will offer the best value, but getting to Soulard will take a bit longer. The area is just south of downtown St. Louis and due to the popularity of the event, parking is not simple. Soulard streets are cordoned off and can only be accessed by locals with special parking passes. Your best choice is public transportation. There will be plenty of taxis and rideshare cars running. Another good option is park downtown and take a shuttle. Metro buses operate a special Mardi Gras shuttle on Saturday, February 18. Go to MetroStLouis.org for more information.
Visit STLMardiGras.org for up-to-date details on Soulard Mardi Gras activities.