Mardi Gras, which is also known as Fat Tuesday, can be traced all the way back to medieval Europe and is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday with music, parades, picnics, floats and more.
This Mardi Gras guide offers you some NOLA-style recipes, crafts and activities to introduce your kids to the holiday if you plan to celebrate at home, and some options for some cajun food to grab if you don’t feel like cooking. So, what are you waiting for? Check out all the fun to be had this Mardi Gras!
In the kitchen
As with any good celebration, your Mardi Gras party needs a bit of yum — and this holiday is a perfect way to introduce your kids to New Orleans-style recipes.
You can find five recipes from the Big Easy in this roundup including crab and shrimp etouffee, sausage jambalaya and, of course, King Cake.
Fat Tuesday in Michigan also means it’s time to put away a paczki or two, and while you can get some of these Polish-inspired desserts at most local grocery stores, you won’t beat the fresh paczkis offered at these local bakeries.
Want even more recipes to try? Delish offers more than 20 Mardi Gras food recipes and Southern Living features more than 30.
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At-home activities
Mardi Gras is often associated with the colors purple, green and yellow, which represent justice, faith and power, respectively.
Families looking to celebrate Mardi Gras at home can start by decorating their home in these colors. Fleur de Lis and festive bead necklaces are also a fun tradition that kids will love.
Once you have your home decorated, you can teach your kids more about the holiday, and keep them entertained with these fun craft and activity ideas.
- Watch The Princess and The Frog. It’s set in 1926 New Orleans and we’ve found plenty of Mardi Gras-inspired activities that go along with it.
- Make a Mardi Gras mask. In the beginning, masks were worn during Mardi Gras to help the wearer escape class constraints and masks are still worn today to add to the excitement of the holiday.
- Make some Mardi Gras slime. Kids love to make slime and this recipe from Premeditated Leftovers incorporates the traditional colors of the holiday.
Take out
If you prefer to have someone else do the cooking, don’t worry! These metro Detroit restaurants feature authentic Cajun menus sure to hit the spot, whether you eat there or bring some home to feast on.
Louisiana Creole Gumbo
Louisiana Creole Gumbo is a beloved Creole restaurant in Detroit serving up authentic Louisiana-style gumbo and Southern favorites rooted in decades-old family recipes. For more than 50 years, this Black-owned eatery has delighted locals and visitors with hearty stews, jambalaya, red beans & rice and other soulful dishes that capture the bold flavors of New Orleans right in the heart of the Motor City.
- Address: 2830 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
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Howe’s Bayou
Howe’s Bayou is a casual Cajun-Creole restaurant in Ferndale that brings a taste of New Orleans to Michigan. Known for classic Louisiana-style dishes like jambalaya, etouffée, po’ boys and gumbo, the menu pairs bold, flavorful food with a full bar featuring craft beers, boutique wines and traditional cocktails. With a relaxed atmosphere, outdoor dining in warmer months and a focus on handmade, authentic ingredients, Howe’s Bayou is a beloved local spot for hearty Creole fare and welcoming service, perfect for a family meal.
- Address: 22848 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
Fishbones
Fishbones – Greektown Detroit is a longtime Detroit favorite serving up a lively mix of fresh seafood, Cajun-Creole classics, steaks and sushi in an upbeat Greektown setting. Diners can enjoy everything from Gulf-inspired dishes like crawfish étouffée, jambalaya and crab cakes to hearty steaks, sushi rolls and New Orleans-style appetizers, all complemented by an energetic atmosphere that evokes the spirit of the French Quarter.
- Address: 400 Monroe St., Detroit
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Faustina’s Creole & Soulfood
Faustina’s Creole and Soul Food is a beloved Creole and soul-food destination in Detroit serving up rich, flavorful dishes inspired by Southern and Louisiana traditions. Led by Chef Anthony, whose family roots in culinary excellence stretch back generations, the menu features hearty favorites like jambalaya, gumbo, Cajun wings, turkey ribs, red beans and rice, mac and cheese, and much more. With bold spices, soulful sides and a welcoming carry-out atmosphere, Faustina’s brings authentic Creole-Cajun comfort food to the Motor City.
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- Address: 18414 Wyoming Ave., Detroit
 falls on Feb. 17 this year. If you're looking to celebrate at home with the kiddos, we've got you covered.){kind=link}