What its all about.
If there is one thing that Evangeline Parish does right, it is definitely the Courir de Mardi Gras. This Cajun French tradition dates back to medieval times of dressing up to perform and act up for the nobility's entertainment in order to get food for the upcoming Lenten season.
Fast forward a couple hundred years, Mardi Gras is now one of Louisiana's most notorious holidays. To learn from those who know it best, travel to Duralde where you might just come across a Mamou capitaine.
A capitaine is one of the most coveted titles a Cajun man can hold. It is only given to the Mardi Gras riders this unique tradition means the most too. Many of those selected as capitaines, which are chosen by men who served the year before, have even received awards at past Mardi Gras rides. The main role, according to co-capitaines Buck Dupuis, Dusty Douget, and Paul Fontenot, is to create the controlled chaos that is the Courir. With the head capitaine leading the way and his signature white flag close at hand, the chicken chasers or riders won't be far behind.
But, there is more to being a capitaine than just good fun. They are also in charge of finding Cajun musicians to play for the riders all day, registering the men who plan to ride on Fat Tuesday, and making sure they don't run out of beer - something the capitaines said they never do.
During the run, the men are each assigned a specific spot to make sure everything is going smoothly. Some of the men are tasked with leading the way at the front of the pack with head Capitaine Kenneth Mouiller, some are assigned to the back to make sure no one gets left behind, while the rest make up the middle and are referred to as the roamers.
Fontenot said, "I like to be a roamer because we get to provoke the riders to have more fun and to cut up more." The roamers also keep an eye out for any riders who try to wander off or sneak behind the group.
If for some reason the men can't keep order, Chief Brent Zackery and the Mamou Police Department are there to help out and resolve any issues that may occur. The men all agree that Chief Zackery is a huge help and that Mardi Gras would not be possible without him and his officers who volunteer their time.
The Courir is more than just rules and regulations though. It is also a family tradition deeply rooted in the hearts of the many individuals involved. This beloved Mamou tradition has been a large part of Dupuis, Douget and Fontenot's lives as well as the lives of their family members.
Dupuis and Douget, now brothers-in-law, shared fond memories of their fathers riding as capitaines when they were younger. Douget shared, "My two year old little boy loves Mardi Gras almost as much as he loves Christmas. He practices standing on his rocking horse and we have to listen to the Mardi Gras song every morning."
Dupuis' most memorable Mardi Gras includes falling off his horse and busting his head, only to receive a small baggie of ice and shouts from his father saying, "get up and go finish your run," which is exactly what any true runner would do.
Douget has a more sentimental memory of pride and joy from when he caught his very first chicken.
Part of the family ties also include, always stopping at the local nursing home, no matter the route chosen. "Seeing those people get up and dance and the little old ladies try to drink a muddy beer makes it all worth it," said Fontenot.
To prepare for the upcoming ride, Douget makes sure that his horse and saddle are ready to go for the long day ahead. Dupuis takes a lighter approach by eating plenty of bananas to prepare his body for the upcoming soreness, which is something Fontenot and Douget said they might try themselves.
When it comes to their favorite part of the ride, all three men had a different part to share.
Fontenot said his favorite part of the run is the very beginning because the men are full of energy and ready for the upcoming day. Dupuis also likes the beginning, but said that during the run he enjoys the fun and chaos that takes place with all the men. For Douget, the end where they come back through town is by far his favorite part because he said he loves to see the people smile and cheer them on as they stroll down Mamou's famed 6th Street.
For anyone planning to ride this year's Courir just know there are no whips used by these capitaines like in other Courirs and this isn't a trail ride.
Douget also advised, "leave all your reservations at home," because all the men agree this Cajun tradition is one where you get dirty, get loose and chase chickens all for the purpose of passing a good time.
Capitaines of Mamou, LA
Photo courtesy of Dusty Douget
Kenneth Mouiller - Head Capitaine
Co-Capitaines
Dusty Douget, Casey Fontenot, Dustin Manual, Paul Fontenot, Beau Tate, Buck Dupuis, Gary Brignac, Doug Granger, Gary Douget, Shane Fontenot, Anthony Lavergne, Billy McCauley
