In Branch, in rural Acadia Parish, Karen Thibodeaux and her staff create Mardi Gras costumes at Sew What! Design. Revelers wear the flamboyant creations to strut their stuff at courir de Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras looms mere days away. Soon, the nonstop party will start in earnest — which means there’s precious little time left to throw together a Fat Tuesday costume.

From sequins to fringe and all of the sparkles! At Mardi Gras, you can't go wrong with being extra.

From sequins to fringe and all of the sparkles! At Mardi Gras, you can't go wrong with being extra.

The Courir de Mardi Gras tradition is still celebrated in Cajun Country, along with its traditional costumes.