In Louisiana, we may not have the four basic seasons, but we have ten of our own seasons and we celebrate accordingly. Seasons of celebrations, crustaceans and hot weather give us a spirit and culture you can only find in Louisiana.
1. Mardi Gras Season
Mardi Gras, quite possibly the biggest celebration in Louisiana, is a Christian holiday and a staple in Louisiana culture. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world—typically in areas with a strong Roman Catholic influence. Mardi Gras is celebrated on “Fat Tuesday,” the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. In Louisiana, Mardi Gras is celebrated for weeks leading into a week-long festival gathering thousands of tourists each year. As we say, laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the Good Times Roll)!!
2. Crawfish Season
2. Crawfish SeasonCrawfish season, a favorite in the state begins after Mardi Gras and lasts until late spring or early summer. Whether it’s crawfish boiled in your backyard with family and friends or a favorite local restaurant, as soon as the weather warms, the mudbugs start boiling.
3. Crab Season
From spring into through early fall, crab season keeps the nets casting and the smell of crab boil filling the air. Crawfish season typically wraps up right when crab season begins. It keeps the good times rolling and delicious crustaceans flowing.
4. Pollen
A sea of yellow dust covers everything in sight come early spring in Louisiana. We pray for rain as we stock up on Kleenex and medications for the allergies that will inevitably start acting up. As the sniffles and sneezes continue into late spring, Louisiana residents simply roll through, knowing “pollen season” will soon transition into the next.
5. Tricky Summer
All of us in Louisiana know we have a short window for “perfect” weather. Still, we tend to have high hopes each year that maybe it won’t be “too hot” during the upcoming summer months. Then, BAM, we were wrong again. The “tricky summer season” is over, and the dog days make their appearance.
6. Snow-cone Season
Before the kids get out for summer break, snow-cone season kicks off. Everyone has their “go-to” flavor of the hundreds of flavor combinations. Nothing hits the spot better than a Styrofoam cup filled with shaved ice and brightly colored syrup during a Louisiana snow-cone season.
7. Summer
“It’s so hot,” a phrase we are immune to hearing come mid-June. Louisianans are looking for water this time of the year, and we find refuge in our endless lakes, rivers, and bayous. We won’t let the over 100-degree heat slow us down. The spirit of celebration continues even when a good hair day won’t happen for months.
8. Football Season
Football season, also known as autumn, may not mean cooler temperatures in our great state, but the season is serious in Louisiana. Our tailgating skills can rival any in the nation, from local high school teams, to Tigerland and the Superdome. When football is in the air, Louisianans will be eating, drinking, and cheering on our favorite teams!
9. Hurricane Season
It seems to get longer each year. The dreaded hurricane season, typically lasting from the first of June until the end of November, keeps Louisianas on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what Mother Nature has in store. Like anything that comes our way, Louisianas continue to weather the storms as they come and show fortitude time and again. If we are lucky enough to dodge the hurricane bullet, you can be sure to find a neighbor cooking up something good as hurricane parties commence.
10. The Holiday Season
Winter weather is short-lived if it shows up at all in Louisiana. We know not to expect a “White Christmas,” but we embrace the few days we get to bundle up by the fire. Like every season in Louisiana, we celebrate the holiday season surrounded by family, friends and plenty to eat.