Holidays

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Shreveport is the city of the Red river, Creole culture, Cajun cuisine, jazz, gambling and a relaxed way of life. Situated in the northern region of Louisiana, USA, the city is a colourful mix of various cultures. The French and the Spanish ruled the territory for over 100 years. Shreveport has the stamp of French architecture all over it. The city presents a blend of French architecture and American aesthetics. The streets lined with French style houses are engulfed by colourful parades during the Mardi Gras season. The sights, sounds and sensations of this busy yet charming city intensifies many times over during Mardi Gras. The ambience is pepped up with live bands, dance performances, fashion shows, etc. The performers are dressed in colourful costumes and masks. These parades offer a marvelous view on the banks of the Red river.

Mardi Gras is a traditional holiday celebrated in many of the southern states of USA. Mardi Gras came to Shreveport through its French heritage in 1699. Early explorers celebrated this French holiday on the banks of Mississippi. Mardi Gras means ‘fat Tuesday’ and falls 47 days before Easter.

The northern part of Louisiana in which Shreveport falls, as aptly called the ‘Sportsman’s Paradise’. The region provides various sports opportunities like camping, boating, fishing, trekking, cycling, etc. Looming large against the Red river is the Red river walk which provides an opportunity for joggers, hikers and bikers to enjoy their respective activity. The Red river bank is lined on both sides with a jogging trail. During the Mardi Gras season these trails are swarmed with visitors and local onlookers. The parades usually beginning the evening and tour the whole town. Crowds begin to take spots from early noon. Onlookers with folding chairs, mats and tents place themselves on the lush green grass which lines most of the streets in Shreveport. People in casual attire and large brimmed hats wait for the parades to begin. Small eateries on push carts selling lemonade, fruit beer, coffee, hot dogs, and beignet, open up. Beignets are a traditional square, sugar dusted doughnut of the south. They are the perfect antidote to the incredible strong, chicory coffee. There is such variety in the fragrance and taste of cuisine that it amazes the first time visitor to the town. Especially famous is the Crawfish, eating which requires special skills. The cuisine here reveals more than just the taste of food, it reveals the multihued people hat represent shreveport
Mardi Gras food is excellent, the music invigorating and the ambience addicting. The parades are highlighted by the beads which are thrown towards the onlookers. Colourful beads can be acquired in stores as well.

Tourists are not only impressed by the riot of colours but also the congenial people of Shreveport. The city has strong traditional family values. People here live life to the fullest. This is the kind of place that can make all your ambitions disappear, replaced by a desire to lean back and unwind. The Mardi Gars season is the best time to relax. It falls just before summers, in February-March. Summers in Shreveport are hot and sultry, but the spring time is intoxicating. The streets come alive with music and dance; there is magic in the air.

Shreveport is a medium sized American town , not very expensive, not too crowded ….just right for a budgeted, fun-filled and adventurous family vacation.

Apart from the Mardi Gras parades, the American Rose center is worth visiting this time of the year. Since Shreveport, is not an expensive town, the entrance to the center is nominal. The American rose center in Shreveport is one of the best rose garden in America. The center boasts of possessing the maximum variety of roses.
The vibrant atmosphere, the historic churches, the green country sides, the strains of guitar mingling with the sounds of laughter, kids playing, is the spirit of Shreveport and the spirit of Mardi Gras. Memories of this place will stay with you not just in your picture books but also in your heart.

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