SWLA entertainment Twelfth Night It’s Not Just Another Tuesday By Tori Hebert C hristmas time has ended and for <strong>Louisiana</strong> residents that can only mean one thing, it’s Carnival season! Carnival <strong>of</strong>ficially begins on January 6 or what is called Twelfth Night. This time <strong>of</strong> celebration dates back to the Middle Ages where lavish gifts were exchanged until the festivities evolved into the festive time <strong>of</strong> King Cake eating and dancing that we know today. Twelfth Night, or as calendars say, “Epiphany”, marks the visit <strong>of</strong> the Magi to the manger on the night Christ was born. In early years, this celebration was considered an extension <strong>of</strong> Christmas; however, it became a time <strong>of</strong> lavish balls and parties. <strong>Southwest</strong> <strong>Louisiana</strong> is no stranger to royal celebrations full <strong>of</strong> exquisite dresses and costumes. <strong>The</strong> Twelfth Night celebration, held every year at the Civic Center, is one <strong>of</strong> the largest Mardi Gras events each season. Like our neighbors in New Orleans, Twelfth Night is a time to eat King Cake and get excited about the 7 weeks <strong>of</strong> parades. However, our celebration allows the community to be a part <strong>of</strong> a royal celebration that traditionally is kept private for krewe members only. <strong>The</strong> Twelfth Night celebration at the Civic Center allows the community to see the royalty <strong>of</strong> over 60 krewes. <strong>The</strong> night is full <strong>of</strong> dancing, music, oohs and aahs as the Kings and Queens <strong>of</strong> the previous years Carnival make their final march. This event marks the end <strong>of</strong> their reign and welcomes the new Carnival season. In New Orleans, Twelfth Night is commemorated with two krewe parades while the Twelfth Night Revelers enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. <strong>The</strong> community usually only get a glimpse <strong>of</strong> the krewe royalty in their full costumes when their floats roll pass during parades. “Super Krewes” like Endymion and Bacchus hold balls that are open to the public after their parades are over. Krewe balls in Lake Charles are invitation only, just as they are in New Orleans, but we have made Mardi Gras so much more than just weeks <strong>of</strong> catching beads. From the King Cake Taste Off to the Mardi Gras Madness 5k <strong>Southwest</strong> <strong>Louisiana</strong> has made Mardi Gras a time for families and friends to gather with the community for a day <strong>of</strong> fun. <strong>The</strong>re is always something going on during Carnival season, and every event has the community in mind. Instead <strong>of</strong> all day cooks outs, we have cooking competitions, dog contests, a special day for our children, and a party that never ever stops. Our celebration <strong>of</strong> Mardi Gras is just another way that sets our community apart from every other part <strong>of</strong> our beloved state. No matter where you spend Carnival this year, Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! For a complete list <strong>of</strong> <strong>Southwest</strong> <strong>Louisiana</strong> Mardi Gras events, check out visitlakecharles.org. If you would like to learn more about Twelfth Night and all things Mardi Gras, take a look at Christmas in New Orleans and Mardi Gras in Calcasieu Parish: A Pictorial History, available at Calcasieu Parish Public Library. "Mask are typically worn at Twelfth Night celebrations, and they are a staple decoration <strong>of</strong> Mardi Gras. Masks have been used for hundreds <strong>of</strong> years and were originally a way for Carnival celebrators to escape society and class restraints." 26 January 2017 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 4 • Number 4
IT’S GEAUX TIME. IT’S HERE, Y’ALL. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. @2016 YUENGLING & SON, PA 17901 Volume 4 • Number 4 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Jaunuary 2017 27
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