Avoyelles Parish Celebrates Mardi Gras Traditions

From town royalty to nursing home parades, Carnival season brings joy to Avoyelles communities.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Mardi Gras has long been a cherished tradition across Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, with communities coming together through parades, pageantry, music, and shared celebration. This article looks back at how Avoyelles residents marked the Carnival season 40 years ago, as captured in the pages of The Marksville Weekly News in 1986.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a deeply rooted cultural tradition in Avoyelles Parish, reflecting the spirit and joy of parish life. This retrospective highlights how the celebrations have endured over the decades, bringing communities together through shared festivities.

The details

The article features photos and details of Mardi Gras royalty crowned in the towns of Mansura, Hessmer, Moreauville, and at the Avoyelles Senior Center in Marksville. It also describes a Mardi Gras celebration at the Colonial Nursing Home, where residents and employees dressed in costumes and held their own parade inside the facility, concluding with music, dancing, and the crowning of a Mr. and Mrs. Sweetheart.

  • The photos and details featured in the article are from Mardi Gras celebrations in Avoyelles Parish in 1986.
  • Mardi Gras 2026 is mentioned as the time frame for which the article is looking ahead.

The players

Elster Scallan

Crowned King during the Mansura Mardi Gras celebration.

Velma Scallan

Crowned Queen during the Mansura Mardi Gras celebration.

Wilfred Ducote

Crowned King during the Hessmer Mardi Gras celebration.

Elda Gauthier

Crowned Queen during the Hessmer Mardi Gras celebration.

Cliff Guillot

Crowned King during the Avoyelles Senior Center Mardi Gras celebration in Marksville.

Grace Aymond

Crowned Queen during the Avoyelles Senior Center Mardi Gras celebration in Marksville.

Whitmore Desselle

Crowned King during the Moreauville Mardi Gras celebration.

Mary Agnes Coco

Crowned Queen during the Moreauville Mardi Gras celebration.

Edna Cato

Voted Mrs. Sweetheart during the Valentine's Day celebration at Colonial Nursing Home.

Harvey Dauzat

Voted Mr. Sweetheart during the Valentine's Day celebration at Colonial Nursing Home.

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The takeaway

Mardi Gras celebrations in Avoyelles Parish have endured for decades, reflecting the strong community spirit and cultural traditions of the region. From crowning local royalty to nursing home parades, these festivities continue to bring joy and unity to the people of Avoyelles.