Gloucester Mardi Gras

You don’t have to head to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras with a bang, thanks to this annual festival that combines downhome charm with Big Easy style, and which has been going strong for more than 30 years. The Gloucester Mardi Gras make take place in a small community in the Crystal Coast, but the festival is brimming with ways to have fun, which includes live music, a “Fools Procession” parade, and plenty of big plates of homemade gumbo to go around.

The preparations for the annual Gloucester Mardi Gras begin on Friday night, and everyone is welcome to come out and help with the veggie chopping for the ensuing big pots of gumbo. On Saturday, the fun kicks into high gear, with live music, deep fried turkey, fresh gumbo, and plenty of side dishes available throughout the early afternoon. Costumes are welcome for the Fools Procession parade, and a dance follows the eating and mingling, complete with a children's King and Queen Coronation, March, and bead toss. Open to everyone in the community and beyond, and a great event for kids and adults alike, the annual Gloucester Mardi Gras is a big city-style celebration that will get everyone in a festive mood.