Members of the Louisiana delegation will celebrate Fat Tuesday with traditional Mardi Gras king cake in their offices.  

King cake is eaten to celebrate the beginning of Lent (and the end of Mardi Gras). A small plastic baby, representing Jesus, is hidden inside the cake and whoever gets the piece with the figure in it receives good luck for the year. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., is providing king cake in his office for constituents who are in D.C. and other visitors, according to his staff. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and his staff are celebrating with Abita root beer and king cake. Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., is back in Washington after celebrating with friends and family at home and will also have king cake in his office.  

Louisiana-based Abita makes root beer with pure Louisiana cane sugar. King cake, popular in New Orleans, is made with brioche dough in the shape of a hollow circle and topped with multi-colored sugar and sprinkles.  

At the end of January, Vitter, Cassidy, Scalise and other members of the delegation participated in the annual Washington Mardi Gras. With events for three days, Washington Mardi Gras is hosted by the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians and included a dinner dance, ball and other events.  

Vitter was named Captain of the Krewe in 2015, succeeding former Sen. Mary Landrieu who was captain for four years.

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