Exploring The History And Significance Of Mardi Gras King Cakes

During this time of Mardi Gras (which happens to be on February 13th), there will be a plethora of 'King' cakes prepared and served all over the country and here in the Evansville area. The delicious strudel is a Mardi Gras tradition, but do you know why? Why do we eat this kind of cake? Why is it purple, green, and yellow? Why is there a little plastic baby inside?

I once received a King Cake from a place called Tubbs Hardware (which also carries Cajun food and gifts) in Louisiana. There was a message on the side of the king cake box, an explanation of how the King cake came to be and its symbolism over the years.

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At long last, our journey was joyfully fulfilled. The star we followed shined brightly over the stable where we found the holy baby Jesus. This is now known as the Twelfth Night of Christmas, January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany. With much revelry, this is now the beginning of the Mardi Gras season and is celebrated with the oval-shaped King Cake commemorating our journey and decorated in the carnival colors of green for FAITH, yellow for POWER, and purple for JUSTICE. As it is served, look for the bean, coin, or baby doll representing "our finding the baby Jesus," for you who gets the symbol buys the King Cake for the next party. Enjoy this delicious cake and celebrate as we did. In the name of Tradition, The Three Kings

Where to Find King Cakes in the Evansville Area

Our friends at Be Happy Pie Company are offering King Cakes this year, but time is running out to get one. According to their Facebook page, the last day to order a King Cake is Wednesday, February 7th at 5pm.

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Everyone knows that Donut Bank Bakery is one of the very best places to get pastries and coffee in the Evansville area, and that includes King Cakes. Visit any of the following locations to devour a traditional Mardi Gras dessert.

4800 W. Lloyd Expressway, Evansville, IN 47712
1031 E. Diamond Avenue, Evansville, IN 47711
2128 N. First Avenue, Evansville, IN 47710
5 N. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715
210 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712
1950 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714
1200 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714
3988 SR 261, Newburgh, IN 47630
1303 W. Broadway, Princeton, IN 47670
2630 A Highway 41, Henderson, KY 42420

15 Evansville Area Restaurants Serving Cajun Food for Mardi Gras

From boiled crawfish to raw oysters, po'boy sandwiches, shrimp etouffee, fried gator, gumbo, jambalaya, and more, you'll have plenty of options for getting a taste of New Orleans right here in the Tri-State.

Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan