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Answering your burning questions...
Answering your burning questions...
What is Spanish Town Mardi Gras?
What is Spanish Town Mardi Gras?
Spanish Town is a historic neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that hosts one of the most unique and irreverent Mardi Gras celebrations in the South. The parade routinely draws crowds exceeding 200,000 people, making it not only the largest Mardi Gras parade in Baton Rouge, but one of the most attended single-day events in the city. On the Saturday before Mardi Gras, the proper people of Baton Rouge push past their propriety, putting on their pink and participating in Spanish Town... the largest and arguably BEST parade in Baton Rouge.
Spanish Town is raw, creative, and unapologetically progressive. This is not your grandmother's Mardi Gras (unless your grandmother is freaking awesome). Expect bold costumes, satirical floats, flamingo decorations everywhere, and a community that celebrates art, excess, and organized chaos.
The party starts on Spanish Town Road around 9am for the only open parade-staging block party. The parade rolls at noon. The Mystic Krewe of Maximilian meets at the float at 5:30am on Spanish Town Saturday for sunrise mimosas and kingcake and to ride downtown with the float (or you can join us once we are parked).
The Spanish Town Parade has been a Baton Rouge tradition since 1981, hosted by the Society for the Preservation of Louisiana Lagniappe, raising thousands of dollars every year for local deserving charities. It's parade-meets-art-installation-meets-street-party, and we're honored and ecstatic to be part of it!
FIND OUT MORE HERE: https://mardigrasspanishtown.com/
Why "MAXXX"? (Mystic Krewe of Maximilian)
Why "MAXXX"? (Mystic Krewe of Maximilian)
The Mystic Krewe of Maximilian pays homage to one of the Spanish Town parade's original Board of Directors member, Max Lebranche. If you spot his ghost on our float, it's good luck for the year!
What Does "Worst Krewe" Award Mean?
What Does "Worst Krewe" Award Mean?
{Spoiler: It's the highest honor in Spanish Town and currently belongs to Krewe of MAXXX}
In the Spanish Town Mardi Gras tradition, being named "Worst Krewe" is not an insult. It is the highest honor.
The title celebrates the krewe that best embodies the parade's irreverent spirit, unapologetic creativity, and commitment to being the worst influence possible (in the best way).
In 2025, the Mystic Krewe of MaXXX earned this distinction, claiming the reigning "Worst Krewe" title and the championship trophy: our beloved MaXXXy (pictured to the right). We understood the assignment.
The Worst Float Award - aka, the MAXXXY
What's the deal with the pink and flamingos?
What's the deal with the pink and flamingos?
Short answer: they are the heart, soul, and slightly unhinged mascot of Spanish Town.
Longer answer: Flamingos are the official mascot of the parade because they embody the Spanish Town mantra: “poor taste is better than no taste at all.” Playful, pink, and proudly tacky in the best possible way, they are basically our spirit animal. The plywood flamingos you may have spotted in the Lakes, outside local businesses, or in front yards are part of a long-standing tradition dating back to 1981. They are not just decorations. They are a coveted badge of participation and pride. If you do not love flamingos yet, stick around. One parade season usually does the trick. 🦩
Do I need to live in Baton Rouge?
Do I need to live in Baton Rouge?
Most of our members are local or nearby, since we want people to participate in events leading up to parade day. That said, we're open to talking.
What should I wear to Spanish Town events and on parade day?
What should I wear to Spanish Town events and on parade day?
Parade Day: Costumes in line with our theme are strongly encouraged! (Read: Absolutely necessary). Think bold, creative, and a little absurd. This is not the day for subtlety. If you feel a little ridiculous, you are doing it right. Just remember one important rule: comfort and safety matter. You will be doing some combination of dancing, drinking, walking, standing, balancing, and living your best life for hours, so plan accordingly, especially for footwear. No heels on the float, and open-toed shoes are not recommended.
Events (Generally): We are maxxximalists by nature, so we always lean hard into the theme. If there is a concept, a joke, or a visual angle to explore, we are exploring it fully. That said, when in doubt, the answer is always pink, pink, pink. Feathers, fringe, sparkle, leather, sequins, wigs, boots, heels, sunglasses. All welcome.
How do I join MaXXX?
How do I join MaXXX?
Membership is relationship-driven, not just a signup form. We look for folks who are ready to contribute creativity, time, and energy. Reach out via our contact form to express interest, and we'll connect you with the right people.
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