When people think of Mardi Gras, they usually think of New Orleans. But there are huge Mardi Gras celebrations in many locations, and Shreveport, LA is one of them!
In the Shreveport-Bossier area, Mardi Gras “Trash Jackets” are a Carnival season tradition, and you’ll see them everywhere. Tuxedo jackets with tails are adorned with pins, patches, and miscellaneous thingamabobs with significance to the wearer. Krewe members usually sport pins with their Court position (Dutchess, Duke, Queen, King, etc.). Every jacket tells a different story, and there’s no wrong way to decorate one. So get yourself a thrifted tuxedo and do it up for the next Shreveport Mardi Gras!
The Fayetteville Mardi Gras learned of the Trash Jacket tradition from our very own Kelly Rich, Executive Director of the Downtown Fayetteville Coalition. Kelly hails from Shreveport, so has some experience. We asked her to share:
Kelly Rich
Growing up near Shreveport, we often got teased that South Louisiana didn’t claim us, calling us “Arkansas.” And while we might not have matched the quintessential New Orleans vibe, we definitely had our own spin on Louisiana traditions. Case in point: Mardi Gras trash jackets. These aren’t just any jackets—they’re sportscoats covered in paint, glitter, feathers, ribbons, pins, stickers, patches, whatever you can dream up to make ityours. It’s a chance to show off your personality in the most fun and over-the-top way possible. We would wear them to Mardi Gras events like our 12th Night Celebration as well as for parades and fundraisers—basically anything categorized as “Mardi Gras festive,” minus the black-tie balls.
In 2018, I was honored to be named Queen of the Krewe of Highland (the BEST Krewe in Shreveport). Creating my trash jacket was one of my favorite experiences of the season. I found a tuxedo tails jacket from Goodwill for $10, had the back monogrammed with our Krewe logo, and then added beads, feathers, and pins. Each piece I added told a story, and during the Carnival season, we began trading pins with other Krewes, making it an even more personal Mardi Gras memento.
My trash jacket has lost some of its decor over the years, but I can’t wait to jazz it up with some Fayetteville flair and kickstart my Mardi Gras adventures again. And I invite you to join in the fun! Grab an old jacket, get creative, and wear it for the Fat Tuesday celebrations on Dickson Street. It’ll be the perfect time to show off your Mardi Gras masterpiece!
Trash jackets are our latest obsession. In fact, we’re planning on having a Trash Jacket competition at the Fat Tuesday Pub & Grub Crawl! AND, if you don’t have a clue where to start, come to our Costume Workshop on Thursday, January 30th to learn more. (More details soon!).
Here are some examples for inspiration:
