The 2025 Cloutierville Mardi Gras parade rolled through the south Natchitoches parish town Saturday, Feb 22. Over 48 units participated in the iconic Mardi Gras event, bringing everything from horses to floats, elected officials, motorcycles and dance teams. Retired police officer and longtime veteran of our volunteer fire department, Charles Roge, served as the parade’s Grand Marshal.

The parade route was jam packed with thousands of eager parade goers who lined the main drive through Cloutierville and called out for beads and trinkets to the passing units. They were not disappointed! Beads, cups, candy, toys and small stuffed animals were just a few examples of the huge number of items thrown by the members of the parade units. It was a rare child indeed that did not go home with a neck full of beads and a sack full of candy and toys. The air along the parade route was filled with savory aromas from numerous food trucks and families cooking for parties and reunions.

The Cloutierville Mardi Gras parade is a fun family friendly event and a superb example of the unique culture that makes Louisiana such a wonderful place to live. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to next year’s parade!