Celebrate Mardi Gras at Loyola this February

This February the Loyola community will celebrate the rich history, customs, and events of Mardi Gras.  With many students, faculty, and staff being from outside of the New Orleans area, these celebrations will give them an opportunity to not only experience the parades rolling down St. Charles Avenue, but to gain an understanding of the meaning behind so many of the activities that have become part of this tradition since Mardi Gras came to the Americas in 1699.

The month will feature a variety of events and activities from revealing the customs of selecting Mardi Gras royalty, excursions to New Orleans Mardi Gras landmarks and festivities, mask-making, and many more.  The events will conclude with a campus carnival, which will feature Mardi Gras floats, a brass band, and Mardi Gras Indians.  The Office of Student Affairs and Co-Curricular Programs invite everyone to take part in the activities this February and laissez les bon temps rouler, “let the good times roll”.

Featured Events:

Friday, February 3

Mardi Gras Career Fair Invitational Promotion & King Cake Giveaway

11:00am – 2:00pm, Danna Student Center Front Porch

Hosted by the Career Development Center

No better way to kick off the Carnival season than with free king cake!  Check out information about the Mardi Gras Invitational and enjoy a festive treat.

Monday, February 6

By Invitation Only documentary screening and discussion with filmmaker, Rebecca Snedeker

7:00-9:00pm, Audubon Room, Danna Student Center

Hosted by Co-Curricular Programs

Inclusion in New Orleans’ old line Carnival society remains “by invitation only,” but this documentary gives viewers an unprecedented look at the inner workings of this world.  Watch as Rebecca Snedeker follows a young woman’s ascension to her throne as a Mardi Gras queen, along the way revealing tension between family and social status. 

Tuesday, February 7

Krewe de LU nominations & Mardi Gras World Tickets

12:30-2:00pm, Danna Student Center Front Porch

Hosted by the University Programming Board and Co-Curricular Programs

Vote for senior King and Queen of Loyola’s first royal court to be featured at the Campus Carnival.  Announcement of the King and Queen will be on Thursday, February 9 during the Fat Thursday celebration. Mardi Gras World tickets will be available for purchase for $5. 

Wednesday, February 8

Mardi Gras Invitational Career Fair 

12:00-4:00pm, Mercedes Benz Superdome

Hosted by the Career Development Center

Meet with local, national, and international employers including Apple, Entergy, Hyatt, Ochsner, Thomson Reuters, US Dept of State, and more.  Free shuttle available – details at loyno.edu/careers.  Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. 

Thursday, February 9

Fat Thursday

12:30-2:00pm, Danna Student Center Front Porch

Hosted by the University Programming Board and Co-Curricular Programs

Create your own Mardi Gras mask.  Enjoy a genuine New Orleans Lucky Dog. Get your Mardi Gras koozie. The Krewe de LU King & Queen announcement will be made at 1:30pm. Mardi Gras World tickets will also be available for purchase for $5.

Safety in the City: Safety Tips for Mardi Gras

5:00-6:00pm, Buddig Hall Mushroom

Hosted by the Residence Hall Association

First Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Come let RHA give you a welcome into the Carnival season! We'll have games, an info session on basic procedures of Mardi Gras, and lots of King Cake!

Saturday, February 11

Excursion to Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World

Buses depart at 10:30am from the Carrollton Turnaround

Hosted by the University Programming Board

Get an up-close look at where Mardi Gras magic is made.  Marvel at the work of world-renowned masters of Carnival sculpture and float building.  Purchase your ticket with the University Programming Board.

Sunday, February 12

Excursion to Family Gras

Buses depart at 10:30am from the Carrollton Turnaround

Hosted by the University Programming Board

Celebrate the Carnival season at Family Gras with free outdoor concerts with artists such as Cowboy Mouth, delicious New Orleans cuisine from local restaurants, and an outdoor Art Market. 

Thursday, February 16

Centennial Campus Carnival!

12:30-2:00pm, Peace Quad

Hosted by Institutional Advancement

Join in the celebration and help us kick off the centennial in style, with a second line led by Mardi Gras Indians, a brass band, parade floats complete with riders and throws, and king cake in celebration of Loyola’s 100 years.

Smardi Gras

12:30-2:00pm, Danna Student Center

Hosted by Health Education at Loyola (HEAL)

Get your essential Mardi Gras giveaways and enjoy a safe and healthy Smardi Gras.

Friends Don’t Let Friends Go to Parades Hungry

Get Your Grub On Parade Pack

February 4, 10-12, 15-21, The Market, Danna Student Center

Hosted by Dining Services

Purchase your pack before heading out to the parades.  Each parade pack includes a sandwich, chips, cookies, and soda for $6.99 (limited time only).

For questions regarding these events, please contact the Office of Co-Curricular Programs at (504) 865-3622.  We look forward to celebrating Mardi Gras with our Loyola community this February!