What does the Louisiana French phrase Courir de Mardi Gras mean?

The Louisiana French phrase Courir de Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday Run.”

The phrase combines Mardi Gras, the French name for the day before Ash Wednesday, with courir, meaning “to run.” In this context, the “run” refers not simply to racing but to a traveling group of masked revelers moving through rural communities and visiting homes.

The Courir is a Cajun and Creole tradition of southern Louisiana. Participants may ride horses, travel in wagons or trailers, sing a local Mardi Gras song, dance and play pranks while asking residents for food or ingredients. Many routes end with a communal meal, often gumbo. Some communities also retain a chicken chase as part of the festivities.

“Fat Tuesday” refers to the final day before Lent, when Christians traditionally used up rich foods such as meat and fat before the fasting season. The Louisiana event developed from older French and Acadian customs, but its costumes, music and rituals vary from one community to another.