Acadiana arguably hosts the second-largest Carnival celebration in Louisiana with the requisite balls, parades and special events akin to its massive cousin to the east. But a group of Lafayette residents thought something new was called for, something intimate, sustainable and inclusive.
They presented the idea of the Krewe de Canailles walking parade to the 24 Hour Citizen Project (24HCP), which awards entrepreneurs with seed money to realize their dreams. The krewe would be comprised of sub-krewes and individuals costumed and walking through downtown as the first parade of the season.
“A few of our founding board members felt that Lafayette Mardi Gras had started to lose its muster and lose the true meaning of Mardi Gras,” said Luke Sonnier, Krewe de Canailles president. “It’s a different sort of fun than your typical Mardi Gras parade.”
The 24HCP agreed and awarded the founders $5000 in 2017. Project creator Rodney Hess wrote in that year’s project update, “We want to Make Mardi Gras Great Again.”
In February 2018, the Krewe de Canailles marched their inaugural foray through downtown Lafayette streets.
Note: In Cajun French “canaille” means mischievous, shrewd, cunning, a trickster.
The few parade rules Canailles maintains are simple: Sub-krewe members must dress to the parade’s theme, and costumes, throws and signs should be family friendly.
“No vulgarity,” Sonnier said. “Although it can be cheeky and we do push the envelope.”
Only sustainable throws, items mostly handmade and collectible, are allowed. Plastic beads and candy — basically anything that might be left lying in the street as trash — are off limits.
“Walking down Jefferson Street the next day and seeing it clear of litter was a clear sign that we achieved what we set out to do,” Hess wrote in the 2018 post-parade update.
“We’ve done everything to be more sustainable, to be more green,” Sonnier reiterated, adding that sub-krewes must provide battery packs for electricity and boom boxes for music. There are no motorized vehicles.
A creative boat float goes by families out for a night of fun, all enjoying the sights and waiting for a throw. Each krewe has a theme and throws sustainable, often handmade, items to people on the route.
The route is confined to downtown because it’s pedestrian friendly, walkable and provides sustenance (i.e. food and drink) to the marchers and visitors, Sonnier added.
“Part of our mission is giving back to the community in that we bring a lot of people downtown,” Sonnier said.
The nonprofit’s year begins with an announcement party where the theme is presented. The 2024 theme of “Into the Shadowverse” mirrors Groundhog Day, since the parade rolls on Feb. 2.
“Shadowverse means alternate reality, the dark side of life,” Sonnier explained. “‘Twilight Zone’ would be a good example.”
It’s inexpensive to join, about $50 per person, although the price rises the closer participants get to Feb. 2. Sub-krewes elect a captain to “wrangle” members and create costumes and develop throws. All must use some aspect of the overall theme. The 2023 theme was “There Must Be Something in the Water” and sub-krewes came as mermaids, sirens and gumbo.
For those who want to join as individuals, Canailles places them together so that they form their own group.
The parade attracts about 400 marchers each year, what organizers find ideal for managing — just innovative people marching in costume while handing out unique throws and having fun.
“It’s a much more intimate experience for the marchers,” Sonnier said.
“It’s a very unique experience.”
This year’s parade will be led by the Soul Express brass band and the Southwest Mardi Gras Indians. The parade’s after-party with Rebirth Brass Band in the Grouse Room is open to the public and free to members, although non-members will have a $15 cover.
For information on the parade, visit the Krewe de Canailles Facebook and Instagram pages and krewedecanailles.com.
Lafayette’s 2024 Carnival Parades and Events
Jan. 27
Carencro Mardi Gras Parade, Carencro
Feb. 2
Krewe de Canailles Walking Parade
Feb. 3
Krewe of Rio Parada Mardi Gras Parade
Scott Mardi Gras Parade, Scott
Feb. 4
Le Courir de Mardi Gras, Vermilionville
La Dance de Mardi Gras with Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys and guests, Acadiana Center for the Arts
Feb. 9-13
Le Festival de Mardi Gras à Lafayette, Cajun Field
Feb. 10
Children’s Parade
Youngsville Mardi Gras Parade, Youngsville
Krewe of Bonaparte Mardi Gras Parade
Feb. 12
Queen Evangeline’s Parade
Feb. 13
King Gabriel’s Parade
Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade
Independent Parade