Of the hundreds of Louisiana festivals, none compare to Mardi Gras in size and scope. It is a statewide spectacle of parades, costumes, dancers, music and food at every turn. Beginning with Twelfth Night on Jan. 6, the revelry continues until the start of the Catholic season of Lent—and Louisiana sets the perfect stage.

Each community in Louisiana has its own way of observing Fat Tuesday. Many cities are known for parades of elaborate floats, live music, dancers and entertainers. The New Orleans area has more than 60 parading krewes and there are many more throughout the state including in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles and Houma.

Some communities’ parades are more suited for families, others for the more committed revelers. Either way, you’re sure to accumulate colored beads, themed cups, doubloons and trinkets.

A different kind of parade, the celebration in south Louisiana’s Cajun Country is known as the Courir de Mardi Gras. The centuries-old tradition involves costumed locals going house to house on horseback and performing tricks and stunts in exchange for donations of chicken, sausage, vegetables and rice that will come together in a massive gumbo at the community party that evening.

This year Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Mark those calendars and plan your trip—however you celebrate!