Mardi Gras parades in north and central Louisiana

Carnival organizations, known as "krewes," stage parades, balls, parties and many family-oriented events in communities from Shreveport-Bossier to Alexandria and Natchitoches. Here is a schedule of parades slated during the 2012 Carnival season. Check the individual websites for information about the many other related events scheduled in each city.

Parades in Shreveport:

Sat., Jan. 21, 4 p.m.
Krewe of Sobek Mardi Gras Parade
Shreveport

Sat., Feb. 11, 4:30 p.m.
Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Parade
Shreveport

Sat., Feb. 18, 4 p.m.
Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Parade
Shreveport

Sun., Feb. 19, 2 p.m.
Krewe of Highland Mardi Gras Parade
Shreveport

For more information about Mardi Gras in the Ark-La-Tex, visit the Shreveport-Bossier Fun Guide.

Parades in Alexandria:

Fri., Feb. 17, 4:30 p.m.
College Cheerleaders & Classic Cars Parade
Alexandria

Sat., Feb. 18, 10:45 a.m.
AMGA 16th Annual Children's Parade
Alexandria

Sun., Feb. 19, 2 p.m.
AMGA 19th Annual Krewes Parade
Alexandria

For more about Mardi Gras in Alexandria, visit the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association.

Parades in Natchitoches:

Sat., Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Krewe of Dionysus Parade
Natchitoches

Sat., Feb. 18, 1 p.m.
Krewe of Wag-uns Parade
Natchitoches

For more about Mardi Gras in Natchitoches, visit the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Parades in Monroe-West Monroe:

Sat., Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m.
Children's Parade at Pecanloand Mall
Monroe

Sat., Feb. 11, 1:30 p.m.
Krewe of Paws Mardi Gras Pet Parade
Monroe

Sat., Feb. 11, 6 p.m.
Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade
Monroe

For more about Mardi Gras in Monroe-West Monroe, visit the Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau.