Articles Tagged "Mardi Gras"

Mardi Gras 2023 is coming Tuesday, February 21. But Mardi Gras season isn't just about the big day. Our Realtors® know you have to start preparing early. This is one of the best times of year to go to Lake Charles open houses or visit Lake Charles homes for sale because magic is already in the air.

After all, Lake Charles is home to the biggest celebrations outside of New Orleans.

With only about a month left to go, there are still plenty of amazing things to see and do. Lake Charles goes all out for Mardi Gras each and every year. We have our own traditions and even our own incredible parades. You can be a part of it all this year.

Let's take a closer look at spectacular Mardi Gras celebrations in Lake Charles:

• Taste of Mardi Gras Party – 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Taste of Mardi Gras Party takes place on February 15 from 6 p.m. through 9 o'clock. Guests enter for just $30 and will enjoy food and fun at the spacious Lake Charles Civic Center. Door prizes will also be available, and there is a cash bar. It's a terrific way to kick off your season of celebration.
  
  
• Mardi Gras Annual Lighted Boat Parade – 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  See the Lakefront Promenade like you've never seen it before. Mardi Gras Annual Lighted Boat Parade is a truly breathtaking sight. A totally free event, it kicks off at 6 p.m. on February 16. Dozens of lighted boats take to the water in an annual outpouring of local spirit unique to Lake Charles.
  
  
• Mardi Gras Merchants' Parade – Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Welcome to the first land parade of the season. Mardi Gras Merchants' Parade is a chance to meet new friends and buy unique souvenirs. This glowing night parade is sponsored by businesses and nonprofits, with the major contributors decorating incredible floats. It happens on February 17 at seven o'clock.
  
  
• Krewe of Barkus Parade – 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Krewe of Barkus Parade is one you just can't miss: A parade of costumed pets and whimsical owners. It starts from the Lake Charles Civic Center and begins the morning of February 18. At the day's end, the #1 best costume winner will be crowned "Mystical Dog" of the Krewe of Barkus.
  
  
• World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off – 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  The World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off is back for another year. There's no charge at the door for this mouth-watering contest, which runs bright and early from 7 a.m. through to 2 p.m. on February 18.
  
  
• Mardi Gras Children's Day & Children's Day Parade – 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  Mardi Gras Children's Day & Children's Day Parade is the day to celebrate the youth with a family-friendly day of interactive arts and crafts for kids aged 3 to 11. It gets rolling at 11:00 on February 19, and the parade starts at 3:30.
  
  
• Mardi Gras Royal Gala – 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  It's the big night before the big day. Mardi Gras Royal Gala arrives on Monday, February 20. During this lavish parade, each Krewe will show off their handcrafted floats and their costumed royalty. There will be live music and dancing befitting the second-largest Mardi Gras in all of Louisiana.

Contact us to find out more about real estate in Lake Charles.

Mardi Gras features so many fabulous parades that they can't be contained in one post! Here are more of the entertaining krewes that our real estate agents will be watching near New Orleans homes for sale. 

Uptown New Orleans

• Krewe of Cleopatra
  The exotically-named Krewe of Cleopatra celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2012 by becoming the first all-female organization on the Uptown route. In honor of their namesake, the krewe's motto is, "Her beauty is timeless, her age is now ...  forever!" Starting off at the intersection of Napoleon Ave. and Prytania St. at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 18, the krewe will follow the queen's barge to the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Poydras St.
  
  
• Krewe of Ponchartrain
  Named for the area's iconic lake, the Krewe of Ponchartrain pays whimsical tribute to all things aquatic around New Orleans. Their memorable floats include Mr. Mudbug, the world's largest crawfish, as well as a giant fish called the Super Grouper. An eclectic list of celebrities, such as Allen Toussaint, Bart Simpson, and Irma Thomas, have served as grand marshals. The krewe's parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 19.
  
  
• Krewe of Muses
  Taking a cue from their namesakes, the daughters of Zeus who provided artistic inspiration, the Krewe of Muses supports creative endeavors. Their signature throws are hand-decorated high-heeled shoes, and each year they host a design contest for local students, with the winning design featured on a throw cup. Krewe of Muses will be parading along the Uptown route at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 24.

Mid-City

• Krewe of Endymion
  Krewe of Endymion is nearly as famous as Mardi Gras itself. During early morning hours, devoted followers begin staking out their spots, so they don't miss this "Super-Krewe" with 3,200 riders and 81 floats. Past grand marshals have included noted celebrities such as Anderson Cooper, Kelly Ripa, and Carrie Underwood. On Saturday, February 26, save your place for a 4:15 p.m. start at the corner of City Park and Orleans, with the parade winding down at the Caesars Superdome. 

Slidell

• Krewe of Poseidon
  The spirit of Greek gods carries on through the Krewe of Poseidon, named after the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. With 700 riders, they're one of the larger krewes on the Northshore. During their parade, members are known for tossing keepsakes such as tridents, doubloons, and medallion beads. This year's procession begins at the intersection of Berkley St. and Spartan Dr. at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, ending up at the intersection of Gause and Kensington Blvd.
  
  
• Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne
  Looking for a parade where you can bring your best friend along? Put Fido's leash on and head out to see the Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne. Centered at Café du Bone Dog Bakery and Boutique, the krewe's dogs don festive attire and ride along the route in shopping carts, wagons, and strollers. Parade time is 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, beginning at the intersection of Ciruti and Robert St. and finishing on Carey St. 

Madisonville

• Krewe of Tchefuncte
  The fun spills out onto the water when the Krewe of Tchefuncte launches their parade. All boaters are welcome on a first-come basis for a nominal registration fee. Set sail at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, in front of Salty's Marina. The route passes south to the Maritime Museum, where it loops around and ends on the north side of the Madisonville Bridge.

In NOLA, the fun and sense of community continues 365 days a year. Contact us at Latter & Blum for all your real estate needs or stop by one of our New Orleans open houses.

Everyone loves a parade, and Mardi Gras wouldn't be the same without the colorful and festive krewes celebrating every year. Our real estate agents share a preview of some of the highly-anticipated parades scheduled throughout the area.

French Quarter 

• Krewe Bohème 
  True to their name, Krewe Bohème proudly embraces an unconventional spirit. Their parade is headed up by a green fairy that symbolizes absinthe, the anise-flavored liqueur so identified with traditional New Orleans cocktails, and their throws are created by artists in their membership. At 7 p.m. on Friday, February 11, Krewe Bohème starts off at Franklin Ave. near Dauphine St., ending up at the Joy Theater.
  
  
• Krewdelusion
  Irreverent satire is the name of the game for Krewedelusion. Their stated mission is "to save the Universe, beginning at its center, New Orleans," and their parade theme is a closely guarded secret each year until showtime. Krewedelusion follows KdV at approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, proceeding from the corner of Franklin Ave. and Royal St. to D.B.A. on Frenchman St.
  
  
• Krewe of Cork
  It's no surprise that Krewe of Cork is devoted to all things wine. In addition to wine-related costumes and throws featuring a grape logo, their parades include golf cart-driving "wine police" whose motto is, "To serve and pour." Krewe of Cork will head out from Royal St. between St. Peter and Toulouse St. at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 18, finishing up on Conti between Royal and Bourbon St. 
  
  
• Krewe of Barkus
  Krewe of Barkus includes a number of four-legged members, as man's best friend takes the spotlight. Founder Thomas Wood made his own Jo Jo McWood queen of the parade and captain for life, kicking off a tradition that continues today. Join the fun at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, as Krewe of Barkus walks from N. Rampart at St. Ann to Orleans St. 

Metairie

• Krewe of Excalibur
  Head back to the swashbuckling times of King Arthur as you watch the antics of Krewe of Excalibur. Members in full knight attire follow animated floats and throw hand-decorated wooden shields out to the crowd. On Friday, February 18, the parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. The procession follows the Metairie Westbound route, starting at Bonnabel Blvd. and Nero St. and finishing at Nero St.
  
  
• Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters
  Making their Mardi Gras debut this year, Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters channels all the whimsy and imagination found in Alice in Wonderland. Watch for some well-known bands on their floats, as well as dazzling lighting effects and spectacular costumes. The festivities start at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, as Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters proceeds along the Metairie Westbound route.

These are only some of the parades to look forward to this Mardi Gras season. We'll be covering more parades to plan ahead for in our next blog post.

Let the good times roll in your own New Orleans home. If you're ready to buy or sell a house, contact us at Latter & Blum to get started or stop by one of our New Orleans open houses. 

Mardi Gras may look different in 2021 than it ever has before, but there's still plenty to be excited about during Carnival season this year. In fact, this is the perfect year to join the celebration from the comfort of home, and one enterprising krewe is even creating an app that will allow you to enjoy authentic Mardi Gras traditions no matter where you're located. With a mix of technology and tradition, you can create your own Mardi Gras celebration at home. Our real estate agents have some exciting tips, tricks, and ideas to help you celebrate Mardi Gras virtually this year.

1. The "Throw Me Something Bacchus!" App Brings Mardi Gras to You
   The Krewe of Bacchus was not about to let Carnival season pass without a celebration, so they created an app that allows you to participate in their parade whether you live near New Orleans homes for sale or far away. The Throw Me Something Bacchus app is available for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. There will be activities every day throughout Carnival season, culminating with a big, virtual parade on Mardi Gras day.

2. Trade Throws Virtually, Follow the Krewe, and Enjoy the Parade
   The Throw Me Something Bacchus app allows you to participate in the festivities leading up to Mardi Gras by trading throws virtually and even redeeming some of those virtual throws for the real throws that the Bacchus Krewe gives out at the parade. You can even follow the krewe members through the app to keep up with all of the latest Mardi Gras happenings. On the big day, the Krewe of Bacchus will be putting on a virtual parade with music, floats, and more, which you can enjoy live on the app.

3. Set the Mood with Green, Purple, and Gold
   Looking to take your virtual Mardi Gras celebration to the next level? Whether you're decorating your home, dressing up for the celebration, or both, a little bit of green, purple, and gold go a long way! Those are the official colors of Mardi Gras, so they're perfect for setting the mood for your virtual celebration. Of course, there are also tons of Mardi Gras-themed decorations, beads, party favors, and more available online to help you capture that festive feeling.

4. Enjoy a Taste of New Orleans with a King Cake
   No virtual Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without some great food to enjoy, so why not add some traditional treats to the menu? Start with a traditional King Cake, which you can bake at home with simple ingredients. The king cake is traditionally served only during Carnival season in New Orleans, so it's the perfect sweet treat for a virtual Mardi Gras celebration. And if you want an authentic King Cake straight from the city, some New Orleans bakeries will ship a cake anywhere in the country.

5. DIY Masks for Family Fun
   The masquerade is an important part of Mardi Gras and a tradition that dates back centuries. Creating masks at home is a fun way to get the whole family in the Mardi Gras spirit and involve your kids in your celebration. Just pick up some simple paper masks, along with some beads, glitter, and some colorful feathers, then get busy creating your own Mardi Gras mask.

Searching for a home, you'll love so much that every day will feel like a party? We can help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the New Orleans, LA area.

Carnival season is upon us! Whether you're attending Mardi Gras for the first time or looking forward to repeat performances from your favorite krewes, there's no doubt this is one of the best examples of why New Orleans is such a special place to call home. Our REALTORS® are ready for the celebrations, and we've put together a guide for what to expect from Mardi Gras 2020.

• Get in Touch with Mardi Gras History
  History is never far from your front door with New Orleans homes for sale, and Mardi Gras is certainly no exception. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday," which marks the final day of the weeks-long Carnival season and takes place on February 25, 2020. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. It's a tradition that dates back centuries featuring the world's best parades, music, dancing, parties, costumes, and performances. Parades take place all around the city, but many roll Uptown or in the French Quarter. For some people, it's a yearly occasion, while it's a way of life for others!

• Learn the Lingo 
  Throughout Carnival season, the parades and events you see are planned by local organizations called "krewes," who put together the costumes, themes, music, and of course, the elaborate floats that you see on parade. Each krewe has unique "throws," or small items that they toss to parade watchers. Throws can be anything from a simple set of plastic beads to an ornate trinket representing the krewe's theme. Learning about local krewes is a great way to plan for which parades you want to see most.

• Get to Know the Krewes
  Many krewes organize parades throughout New Orleans and in other nearby cities. Typically the most established krewes hold their parades on Mardi Gras itself, but there are amazing parades to see every day of Carnival season. The irreverent, sci-fi Krewe of Chewbacchus is always a hit, while the Krewe of Cork is dedicated to wine and revelry. The Mystic Krewe of Nyx is one of the largest all-female krewes, while the Krewe of Elks-Orleans is the oldest truck float krewe. There are krewes of every shape and size, so everyone has their own favorites. It's wise to plan ahead to see your favorites because parade routes fill up fast.

• There's So Much to See and Do at Mardi Gras 2020
  Mardi Grasis like a big party, but the Carnival season is also about history, culture, music, and celebrating the unique sense of community in New Orleans. Krewes often raise money for charity throughout the year and host elaborate balls during the Carnival season.
  
  There are also kid-friendly parades and plenty of events throughout the season for families to enjoy. You'll even find parades dedicated to dogs, so your four-legged friend can get in on the fun! Mardi Gras is never just one thing. It means something special to everyone who attends because you get to create your own experience each year.

The unique blend of music, dance, performance, history, and revelry that characterize Mardi Gras are on display all year long when you call New Orleans home. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the New Orleans area!

What's the most wonderful time of the year? Some may say Christmas, or perhaps Thanksgiving. Louisianians, however, will agree that the most wonderful time of the year is Mardi Gras! If you've never experienced Mardi Gras in Lafayette, 2020 is the perfect time to immerse yourself in this festive culture that's unlike any other. Our REALTORS® insist that you plan your visit to Lafayette during Mardi Gras this year so you can enjoy every minute of fun! 

Friday, February 14th, 2020

• Krewe de Canailles Walking Parade — Corner of Cypress & Jefferson, Lafayette, LA 70501 | 7 – 9 PM
  Inclusivity, sustainability, and creativity — those are the values of the Krewe de Canailles Walking Parade, known this year as A Parade Without Barriers. Anyone can create their own krewe and join the parade as long as their float is powered by people, and anything thrown is eco-friendly.

Saturday, February 15th, 2020

• Krewe de Chiens — Lafayette & Vermilion Streets, Lafayette, LA 70501| 2 PM
  The Krewe de Chiens is a parade for dogs that seeks to reduce the number of unwanted animals in Lafayette. Grab your four-legged krewe and join the parade through downtown Lafayette.
• Carencro Mardi Gras Parade — Carencro High School, 721 W. Butcher Switch Rd., Lafayette, LA 70507 | 11 AM
  Join the Carencro Mardi Gras Association for this family-friendly parade running from Carencro High School to Carencro Community Center. This is the 37th edition of the Carencro Mardi Gras Parade and has been regarded as one of the highlights of the Mardi Gras season in the upper Lafayette area.
• Krewe of Carnival en Rio Mardi Gras Parade — Cajun Field, 2351 W. Congress St., Lafayette, LA 70506 | 6:30 PM 
  Experience Mardi Gras with a Brazilian flair with the Krewe of Carnival en Rio Mardi Gras Parade. This premier Mardi Gras event in Acadiana will keep you dancing all night long!

Friday, February 22nd – 25th

• Le Festival de Mardi Gras — Throughout Downtown Lafayette 
  The Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette, hosted by the Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association, hosts a variety of parades, celebrations, and festivals leading up to Fat Tuesday, including a Children's Parade, King Gabriel's Parade, Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade, Independent Parade, and Queen Evangeline's Parade.

Saturday, February 22nd, 2020

• Krewe of Bonaparte Mardi Gras Parade — 698 E. Simcoe St., Lafayette, LA 70501 | 6:30 PM
  The Krewe of Bonaparte was founded to encourage young people to get involved in Mardi Gras festivities in Lafayette. Along with their Mardi Gras Parade, they also host a Pre-Parade Party before the parade with food, drink, and face painting for those in the krewe.

Fat Tuesday, February 25th, 2020

• Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade — Grand Marais, 7304 Hwy. 90 E., Jeanerette, LA 70544 | 11 AM – 3 PM
  The family-oriented Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade takes place during the afternoon of Fat Tuesday and features the most original costumes in Lafayette.

Would you like to live in the center of the best Mardi Gras parade routes? Contact us today, and we'll help you find Lafayette homes for sale!

Every year, our real estate agents hit the streets to celebrate Mardi Gras here in Louisiana.

If you're interested in Lafayette homes for sale, you should definitely know about Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is one of the most important days of the entire year in many French-speaking areas. No surprise that the centerpiece of the celebration here in good old Louisiana is none other than historic Lafayette.

Mardi Gras is the Biggest Tuesday of the Year ... Literally

Known as "Fat Tuesday" due in part to the delicious food that's always on offer, Mardi Gras was historically a celebration to help people get prepared for the more solemn religious observances of March and April. These days, everybody is invited!

Mardi Gras is a party with revelers all over the United States, but many of the traditions people associate with it actually originated right down in southern Louisiana. Here, Mardi Gras is a major holiday people look forward to all year around.

In towns like Lafayette and Opelousas, you'll see get-togethers that have been going on in a similar form for hundreds of years. Although there are many different places you could go to get your Mardi Gras fun on, Lafayette is a frequent choice of guests from outside the state.

One thing you're sure to notice is the celebrations don't wait for Tuesday, March 5.

According to the official Mardi Gras itinerary, many parishes will be holding Mardi Gras events starting all the way back in early February. This helps to accommodate many community events, such as charity runs, that cannot take place on the same day as the "big" parade.

What Can You Expect to See as a Mardi Gras Participant?

Mardi Gras is a party that draws thousands of spectators every year. It's fun for the whole family, and there are days dedicated to given events so you can plan the right experience for you.

In Lafayette, there are tons of parades taking place on Mardi Gras itself. Most of these launch from historic downtown and go to Cajun Field – the football stadium nicknamed "The Swamp."

The four biggest parades begin their journey at 6 p.m. Monday, March 6, starting with Queen Evangeline's parade. Then, you'll be able to catch the Mardi Gras show at Clark Field before it's time for King Gabriel's Parade, the Lafayette Mardi Gras Parade, and the Independent Parade.

Those parades kick off at 10:00 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. respectively.

Leading up to the big day, you can get involved in a wide range of other activities. For example, there's the legendary Mardi Gras run on February 17 beginning from old Vermillionville. There are also walking parades, a children's parade, and a dog show leading up to March 5.

Lafayette is known for a truly family-friendly Mardi Gras. The local community has a great relationship with the police, and there's been very little nuisance behavior at past events. Parade areas are child-friendly and there are special viewing areas for people with mobility issues.

Costume contests are one of the most beloved parties of Mardi Gras, so consider participating if this is your first time. Also, don't forget to try the signature treats of gumbo and king cake!

"Fat Tuesday" Isn't the Only Thing Worth Celebrating Here in Lafayette

If you enjoy Mardi Gras, why not see it every year? With our expert advice, you can!

Our team will help you find your Lafayette dream home faster than you ever imagined.

Contact us to find out more. We look forward to meeting you.

If you've been looking at Baton Rouge homes for sale, you've probably already gotten a taste of the city's unique vibe and diverse culture. This becomes even more apparent during historic Spanish Town's famous Mardi Gras celebration.

While the center of the Mardi Gras revelry occurs in New Orleans, Spanish Town residents put their own eclectic spin on things during their annual Mardi Gras parade. This year's parade will be held on March 2nd, and the preparations are already well underway. Here's some information about what to expect during the celebration, so you can make the most of your experience.

About Spanish Town

A quaint section of Baton Rouge, Spanish Town is known for quirky older homes, a maze of one-way streets, and tons of history. Founded in 1805, this neighborhood is home to a Native American ceremonial burial mound, Civil War-era homes, and plenty of adorable cottages and bungalows.

Homes in Spanish Town have grown in popularity recently as more residents see the benefits of moving to walkable neighborhoods close to downtown.  

A Unique Mardi Gras Celebration 

Since its debut in 1981, the parade has grown in size and is now the largest Mardi Gras parade in Baton Rouge. Here you won't find the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. Instead, Spanish Town revelers adorn themselves, their floats, and their homes in every imaginable shade of pink.

Flamingos Everywhere

With a mantra of "Poor taste is better than no taste at all," Spanish Town proudly embraces the pink flamingo as its mascot. The tradition began when the original parade participants took pink flamingo decorations from their lawns and used them to decorate their makeshift floats. The tradition stuck and is now an integral part of the celebration. 

The annual festivities begin with the placement of large plywood flamingos in Capitol Lake. This marks the official announcement of the upcoming parade and ball. In recent years, it's become a tradition for LSU students and other residents to "adopt" the flamingos, taking them from their home in the lake and placing them in their front yards.

One-of-a-Kind Floats

One of the things our real estate agents love the most about the Spanish Town Parade is the complete absence of commercially-made floats. Instead, every float you'll see is handmade by individual krewes. This creates a fun and exciting experience that's sure to be different from anything you've ever seen before. 

Tips for Enjoying the Parade

The parade begins at noon on Saturday, March 2nd and is featuring an extended route. This change should thin out the crowds, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Plan to wear your favorite pink outfits, dress in a flamingo-themed costume, or wear anything else that helps you get into a festive mood. Find parking where you can, and make your way on foot to the parade route. Here you'll join close to 100,000 other revelers in enjoying the nearly two-hour parade. Get ready to dance to the music, chuckle at the funny floats, and of course, scramble for beads. Whatever you do, come with a great attitude and plan to have the time of your life. 

If you're bringing small children, consider viewing the parade from the alcohol-free family zone located on the North side of Convention Street between 5th and 7th streets. Here you'll find a more tame version of the Mardi Gras crowd and will still be able to enjoy plenty of family-friendly fun. 

Enjoy Baton Rouge Year-Round

If you're excited about the thought of living in Baton Rouge, you're not alone. The real estate market here is booming and there are plenty of great properties available. Contact us today to learn how we can help you find your dream home.

Mardi Gras season means one thing — King Cake!

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this magical Mardi Gras treat, you should first know that the King Cake is one New Orleans tradition that you'll look forward to year after year. To get a sense of this tasty slice of culture, picture an oval-shaped baked good that looks like a cross between a traditional French pastry and a coffee cake. Now decorate it with green, gold and purple colors and voila — you have yourself a King Cake.

This traditional treat has been part of New Orleans history since the late 1800s. Every year, families and friends gather together to celebrate Mardi Gras Day by sharing a King Cake. Within each cake is a small prize, usually a small plastic baby or coin. If your piece of cake contains the prize is dubbed the "King" for the day. They are now bound by tradition to host the following year's Mardi Gras Day party and supply the King Cake.

The King Cake is a delicious treat, and King Cakes from Nonna Randazzo's Bakery are hard to beat. As many New Orleans locals can tell you, there are a number of Randazzo bakeries throughout our nearby communities.  And for a good reason--Randazzo bakeries are steeped in a long line of family history as well as baking traditions..

King Cakes Are a Randazzo Family Specialty

Nonna Randazzo's Bakery only uses the finest quality products in all of their bread, pastries and, of course, King Cakes.  Nonna Randazzo's Bakery is owned and operated by Felix and Joel Randazzo Forjet. Joel is the daughter of Lawrence Randazzo, who in 1965 with his brothers, Manuel and Anthony, and their father, Sam, started the Randazzo's Hi Lan Bakery in St. Bernard Parish. Since then, their family has provided New Orleans residents and visitors with renowned King Cakes every year.

Whether the New Orleans property you buy is one of our Ponchatoula homes for sale or a residence in a nearby neighborhood, a Randazzo family bakery may be around the corner.

Share Randazzo's King Cakes With Friends New & Old

Our real estate agents are fans of just about everything having to do with New Orleans, and Nonna Randazzo's Bakery is no exception.  When you move to our fair city, we're sure you will love Nonna Randazzo's Bakery too! The good news is Nonna's has four fantastic locations throughout New Orleans which means you're never far from their traditional King Cakes.

Next time you're searching for Mandeville homes for sale make an appointment with one of our REALTORS® to view these fabulous properties. Perhaps we can meet for a sweet treat at Nonna Randazzo's Mandeville location at 22022 Marshall Road.

If you'd like to expand your search and check out other great homes in Covington, Chalmette or Ponchatoula, or any other New Orleans homes for sale, you won't go wrong with fresh pastries at one of Nonna Randazzo's nearby locations:

• 2033 US-190 F, Covington, LA
• 925 E Judge Perez Dr, Chalmette, LA
• 1625 Ste A, US-51 BUS, Ponchatoula, LA
• 22022 Marshall Rd, Mandeville, LA

The hardworking team at Latter & Blum Inc./REALTORS® will help you find the perfect Covington, Ponchatoula or Chalmette homes. Whether you're new to town or are looking for the next place where your family can grow, our real estate agents are ready to make your dream home a reality. Contact us today to learn more about buying or selling your New Orleans area home. 

While Christmas lovers around the world lament the end of the holiday season, residents of New Orleans eagerly await our favorite time of the year — Mardi Gras! Though this European Carnival celebration dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, no place on Earth has a Mardi Gras party quite like The Big Easy!

Our real estate agents at Latter & Blum don't want you to miss a minute of Mardi Gras action. That's why we've created this helpful guide to answer all of your questions and point you in the direction of unforgettable fun!

What is Mardi Gras?

If you've heard of Mardi Gras but aren't sure what it is, here's the short of it: Mardi Gras is an annual celebration signifying the start of Lent on the Christian calendar. Since the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, begins a long period of fasting until Easter Sunday, the Tuesday prior was traditionally spent loading up on fatty food in preparation for this abstinence. Mardi Gras literally means "Fat Tuesday" in French.

When is Mardi Gras 2019?

This year's Mardi Gras falls on March 5.

Why is Mardi Gras in New Orleans different from the rest of the world?

Aside from the fact that everything in New Orleans is quite different, Mardi Gras in this city is a very special time. Instead of celebrating just as a single day, we celebrate an entire season! From January 6th until March 5th, the streets come alive with parades and parties. Our city has been participating in this month-long celebration since the 1730s so believe us when we say New Orleans knows a thing or two about amazing Mardi Gras festivities.

When is the Mardi Gras Parade?

One of the best reasons to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans is that there's no single holiday parade. In fact, we host so many exciting parades that you won't be able to see them all! Each parade is organized, designed and conducted by a "krewe." Here are a few of our favorites that we believe you should consider on Mardi Gras Day itself:

• Krewe of Rex: The King of the Carnival, the Rex Organization, has helped define Mardi Gras as New Orleans knows it since 1872. The parade begins at the corner of Napoleon Ave. and S. Claiborne Ave. in Uptown at 10 a.m. The Krewe of Rex should definitely be at the top of your list!
• Krewe of Lyra: Those celebrating in the Covington area should head to North Columbia St. and Jefferson St. for the 10 a.m. Krewe of Lyra parade. This newer krewe is less than ten years old, and their coed parade raises awareness for their allies in the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
• Krewe of Argus: If you find yourself at the intersection of Veterans Blvd and Houma Blvd in Metairie at 10 a.m., you should definitely find a comfortable spot to observe the Krewe of Argus parade. Join over a million people as you watch this family-friendly krewe of nearly 500 make their way through Jefferson Parish.

What else can I do during Mardi Gras?

What can't you do is a better question! New Orleans comes alive in exciting ways throughout the season, and there is an infinite number of ways to enjoy it. Whether you're looking for great food, lively bars or family-friendly hangouts, contact us and let us help you plan your Mardi Gras celebration. For help searching for New Orleans homes for sale or to sell your current property, trust Latter & Blum for all of your real estate needs!