The Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association ("GSW") has organized safe and family friendly Mardi Gras parades in Lafayette for 86 years, since 1934. Today over 20 Krewes are recognized under the GSW "umbrella." The Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association serves as a liaison between agencies of the Lafayette Consolidated Government, the Lafayette Sheriff's Department, and other public bodies and all Krewes that are under the GSLMGA umbrella in coordinating their needs.

The Association not only coordinates and stages the parades, but presents the City Ball on Mardi Gras night. The City Ball is open to the public with no admission fee. The Association also produces and coordinates Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette at Cajun Field with carnival rides and games, a wide variety of live music, great Cajun food. The parades roll right through the festival site so everyone can enjoy all Mardi Gras has to offer at one convenient location.

The Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association was established to foster, promote and coordinate Lafayette's Mardi Gras celebration. The Association is not a Krewe, but is a board of volunteers who produce and coordinate the City Ball and Parades, including securing floats, hiring marching bands, purchasing insurance, and working with area governmental agencies. The Association also produces the "Le Festival de Mardi Gras a' Lafayette" at Cajun Field.

The costs of Mardi Gras – the biggest free party in Lafayette - are borne by the various Krewes and their members, and by the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association. The festival is for 5 days starting Friday evening thru to Tuesday.