Sitting at the crossroads of the Deep South, Creole, and Acadian cultures, Louisiana is a state unlike any other. Whether it’s the love for college sports or the otherworldly—albeit artery-clogging—food options. Or the rich cultural celebrations like New Orleans’ famous Mardi Gras festivities, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to the Bayou State. Here’s a look at what makes Louisiana unique: specifically, how those cultures collide in harmonious fashion when preparing for festivities at a tailgate.
Sporting Culture
While Louisiana is blessed with three major professional sports franchises. But tying Georgia for the most in the Deep South. It’s the amateur sports that reign supreme in the region. Fans love their high school and collegiate sports, and tailgating ahead of or during games is an integral part of that experience.
When one thinks of tailgates, images of booze-fueled festivities probably come to mind. With high school sports, things are supposed to be a little more reserved, focusing on family-friendly activities like bouncy houses for kids or exquisite Cajun or soul food cuisines. One benefit is the fact that many high school stadiums aren’t closed off to outside spectators like they are in college or the pros. Sometimes it’s possible to observe an entire game from outside the fence. In addition, enjoy your own fast food, music, or pickup game while taking in the action for free.
The intensity of tailgates ramps up as you graduate to college or the pros, with alcohol becoming an increasing part of the action… not to mention Louisiana sports betting, another excellent pastime.
Despite the Deep South’s general trend toward social conservatism, Louisiana is something of a free-for-all when it comes to drinking culture. They were one of the last states to fully ban drinking and driving with open-container laws. And you can still get adult beverages from drive-throughs in much of the state. Provided you keep it sealed while you’re driving and don’t drink until you’re parked for quite a while.
Whether you pick up a drive-through daiquiri on the way to a game or prefer being your own bartender, there are plenty of options for prospective tailgaters who want to get a head start on drinking ahead of sports games.
Mardi Gras: Pro Tips and Suggestions
When one thinks of New Orleans, the lavish celebrations on Bourbon Street and the French Quarter are probably the first things to come to mind. That’s for good reason, as the district is the heart of tourist culture in the beautiful Gulfside city. That said, I used the phrase ‘tourist culture’ for a reason. The French Quarter is an absolute tourist trap, with Bourbon Street being the worst of the bunch.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t a good time. And if you’re planning on visiting New Orleans it should definitely be on the bucket list. Even if you’re just passing through it. If you’re there for Mardi Gras, you can expect an experience similar to Times Square on New Year’s Eve. An absolute madhouse with tens of thousands of people jockeying for a spot amongst the festivities.
Mardi Gras tailgating culture is everything I described for sports and more, with the exception of the game being played. Food everywhere, booze everywhere, people everywhere, a chaotic. But fun time that’s worth it. So that you can say you did it once, even if you never do it again.
Luckily, the carnival season lasts for weeks on either side of the actual holiday. So you can go at an off-peak time if you want the touristy, tailgating experience without the crazy rush. If you’re looking for authentic New Orleans, try to find a restaurant. Or a bar away from the French Quarter, one that caters to locals rather than tourists.
Football season is largely over by the time Mardi Gras rolls around. So you’ll have to keep an eye on the LSU and New Orleans Pelicans basketball seasons if you want a taste of athletic action.
Final Note: the Food
In truth, it’s impossible to do adequate justice to the quality of food you can find in the Bayou State. Shrimp, crawfish, and catfish are some of the culinary staples, whether you’re on the Gulf Coast or the Bayou.
You can find shrimp just about anywhere these days—crawfish and catfish are a little more exclusive—but that doesn’t mean that they can cook it like Louisianans can. Spicy additions like pepper or cajun seasonings provide a delicious kick to the hearty cuisine. The only downside to Louisiana cooking is how filling it is: you’ll want to eat as much as you possibly can. I know I did when I was there.
The rich dining tradition stems from French, West African, Caribbean, Spanish, and Native American cultures. So you’re really getting the best of several worlds as the strengths of each diet all combine together into one delicious palate. If you’re an outsider who’s tailgating in the Bayou State, be the one to bring the booze. Leave the cooking to those who know it best.
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