Les Bon Temps Rouler: The Story Behind Our Name

In New Orleans, we don’t just say “have a good time”—we live it, breathe it, and shout it from parade floats. That’s why our krewe’s name, Les Bon Temps Rouler, is more than just a phrase—it’s a way of life.

What Does It Mean?

Our name comes from the iconic New Orleans expression “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”—a Cajun French phrase that translates to “Let the good times roll!” It’s our city’s unofficial motto, an invitation to celebrate life’s pleasures, and a reminder that in New Orleans, there’s always a reason to gather, dance, and raise a glass.

While our full citywide catchphrase includes the word “laissez” (“let”), our krewe uses a shortened version—Les Bon Temps Rouler—that still captures the same joyful spirit while making for a bold, catchy parade name.

French in the Language of New Orleans

French has been woven into the culture of Louisiana since the early 1700s, when the region was colonized by France. Over centuries, the French language blended with Spanish, English, West African, Caribbean, and Native American influences, creating a unique cultural and linguistic gumbo.

In Louisiana, French wasn’t just spoken—it shaped place names, street names, family names, and everyday vocabulary. Even after English became the dominant language, countless French expressions lived on, especially in food (beignet, étouffée, roux), music (fais do-do), and celebrations (Mardi Gras).

By the 20th century, the phrase “Laissez les bons temps rouler” had become a cultural emblem—used at Mardi Gras balls, shouted at second lines, printed on t-shirts, and, of course, called out from parade floats. It’s an expression that needs no translation for locals, but it carries a romantic charm for visitors, who quickly adopt it as part of their own New Orleans experience.

Why We Chose It

The Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler is all about capturing the essence of New Orleans in a parade that rolls outside the Mardi Gras season. Our floats celebrate the food, music, architecture, history, and people that make this city the cultural jewel it is. Naming our krewe after one of the most famous local phrases was our way of honoring that heritage—and inviting everyone to join in.

Because here, we don’t just keep the good times for Carnival—we roll them out all year long.

Join us this April for our inaugural French Quarter parade and help us live up to our name—Les Bon Temps Rouler!