Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast

Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast

The history of Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast goes 300 years and is steeped in tradition.   Both Mobile and New Orleans claim the title as the founding city of Mardi Gras and the history is complicated.   Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” and is the day before Ash Wednesday (and the start of Lent).  The party starts 2-3 weeks prior to Fat Tuesday and in the larger cities stops pretty much at midnight on Fat Tuesday.

In the late 1600’s French Explorers settling the mouth of the Mississippi River about 60 miles down river from New Orleans named a particular piece of land and area around Mardi Gras Point.  In the 1703 in the early settlement of Mobile, the first organized celebration and mystic society were formed.  The first parade in New Orleans was 1837.

Both New Orleans and Mobile know how to throw a party but the smaller towns along the Gulf Coast can also make wonderful places to observe and participate in the festivities.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans

If you’re craving jazz, crowds and a lot of craziness than New Orleans is your place for Mardi Gras.  There is no city in the world like New Orleans.  It’s sensory overload.  Jazz and cayenne pepper float in equal parts in the air.  The smell of spilled beer is equally strong.

The parades are huge and extravagant and if you’re lucky enough to be invited to a ball  – then go.  I’ve been in New Orleans for Mardi Gras weekends (and many other weekends) and I’ve seen the St Patrick’s day parade (so much fun) but so far I’ve skipped the full Mardi Gras New Orleans experience.    I’m sure it’s a blast.

Mardi Gras in Mobile

If you’re wanting to see some big parades but a little less crazy then Mobile may be your city for Mardi Gras.  It’s about 2 hours east of New Orleans and can also throw a party.  I prefer to be near or East of Bienville Square to catch the parades or at the end of the route.  The floats can be big and intricate.  On the days with multiple parades you can surely catch enough beads to cause pretty significant neck spasms.

Mobile claims the title of the birthplace of Mardi Gras and Mother of the Mystics.  It’s  also home to Moon Pies.  What’s a moon pie?  It’s a thick cookie sandwich with a marshmellow center that’s then dipped in candy coating.  Popular flavors are chocolate and banana with banana usually winning out as the local favorite.  Mardi Gras is also the time the locals stock up on plastic cups.  When you cup supply gets low – it’s time to find a parade.

Mobile has a lot of Mardi Gras balls.  There is a ball for most all of the parading societies.  I have friends that will go to 3-4 per week in season.   If you’re able to get a ticket it’s definitely an experience worth going to.  Dancing, drinking, socializing all in Tuxes and full length gowns.  It’s a lot fun.

Mardi Gras in Fairhope and Daphne Alabama

Mardi Gras at the Beach

The smaller towns of Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach all have parades.  So does Biloxi and Pensacola.  It’s common for many of the smaller towns between New Orleans and Pensacola to host their own Fat Tuesday parades.  The schools are generally closed at least Monday and Tuesday and the entire area celebrates in its own way.    Some towns have multiple parades.  If you’re more interested in small towns and putting your feet in the sand look in to one of these parades.  They are generally smaller but full of personality and charm.