Breaux Bridge author addresses Tee-Mamou/Iota group in book

The Mardi Gras spirit is beginning to make its presence felt in Southwest Louisiana and the Tee-Mamou Courir de Mardi Gras had their first organizational meeting of the year recently at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Evangeline Highway just south of Garber Farms.
Breaux Bridge author Sam Irwin was invited to speak to the Tee-Mamou Courir de Mardi Gras participants about his new book, “It Happens In Louisiana: Peculiar Tales, Traditions and Recipes from the Bayou,” which includes a chapter called “Mardi Gras: Country Irreverence/Urban Insanity.”
“Mardi Gras is a state of mind,” Irwin said. “On March 2, 1699, the famous Louisiana explorer Bienville was camped out along the banks of a bayou south of New Orleans when his men pointed out that it was Mardi Gras and promptly named their camp ‘Pointe du Mardi Gras’ and had a little mischief.”
Irwin showed “Les Voyageurs,” a short video he produced about his travels in Mardi Gras country and Louisiana beyond and autographed copies of his book.
“It Happens in Louisiana” features several pictures of the Tee-Mamou Women’s Courir de Mardi Gras and neighboring courirs.
Todd Frugé, the “capitaine” of the courir, reviewed the rules and expectations of the Mardi Gras under his leadership. To get their attention, he had to blow his silver whistle.
“Listen up!” Frugé hollered. “You must learn to sing the Mardi Gras Song. A traditional Mardi Gras costume is required. You must have a ‘capuchon’ (a dunce-style cap) and a hand-made mask. No Halloween or rubber masks. No beads. If you want beads go to another Mardi Gras. Don’t forget to beg at each stop for a chicken.”
After the instructions were completed, Frugé led the group of 40 in singing the long version of the traditional “Chanson de Mardi Gras” — in French, of course.
“If you sing it good the first time, then we can have some gumbo,” Frugé said.
They didn’t have to sing it a second time
This year the Tee-Mamou Women’s Courir de Mardi Gras runs on Saturday in the area off Evangeline Highway. The highlight of their day comes that evening when the women’s courir descends on D.I’s Restaurant to create a grand spectacle.
The Tee-Mamou Men’s Courir de Mardi Gras makes its country dash on Mardi Gras Day and ends up performing in the streets of Iota around 2 p.m.