Mobile Mardi Gras 2025 in Alabama
The oldest carnival in the U.S. held since 1703
Dates: February 14–March 4, 2025
In Mobile, Alabama, often regarded as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, the celebration begins as early as November with mystic society balls and other social gatherings. These festivities build toward the lively parades and grand balls in January and February. Traditionally, Mardi Gras culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the end of the revelry.
Parades Schedule
The Mobile Mardi Gras 2025 parade schedule begins on Friday, February 14, with the Conde Cavaliers at 6:30 pm. The festivities continue on Saturday, February 15, with the Bayport Parading Society at 2 pm and Pharaohs' Mystic Society at 6:30 pm. On Thursday, February 20, the Order of Polka Dots takes the stage at 6:30 pm. The parades on Saturday, February 22, feature the Mobile Mystics and Mobile Mystical Revelers starting at 1:00 pm. Sunday, February 23, includes Neptune’s Daughters at 6:30 pm. Key events continue on Saturday, March 1, with the Floral Parade at noon. Joe Cain Day is on Sunday, March 2
Fat Tuesday Celebration
Mobile Mardi Gras typically offers one to three parades each festive day, with the culmination of the celebrations happening over the last weekend. Saturday is especially packed, offering up to eight vibrant processions. Fat Tuesday, the grand finale of the season, features six parades. On March 4, 2025, the schedule includes parades such as the Order of Athena at 10:00 am, the Knights of Revelry at 12:30 pm, King Felix III at 1:00 pm, Comic Cowboys at 1:30 pm, MAMGA Mammoth at 2 pm on Route B, and the Order of Myths at 6 pm on Route C.
Flying Moon Pies
Flying moon pies are a beloved tradition in Mobile's Mardi Gras celebrations. During parades, float riders toss these sweet treats—along with beads and doubloons—into the crowd. Moon pies, which consist of marshmallows sandwiched between two cookies and often coated in flavored chocolate or other sweet coatings, come in a variety of flavors. Popular options include bananas, chocolate, peanut butter, and mint. The tossing of moon pies has become a signature Mobile Mardi Gras moment
History of Mardi Gras in Mobile
Mobile, Alabama, is often referred to as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States. The city's first carnival celebration took place in 1703 when Mobile was still the capital of French Louisiana. Since then, Mobile has continued the tradition of grand parades and extravagant masked balls. One of the oldest and most notable societies is the Order of Myths, which has been a central part of the Mardi Gras festivities. Their emblem, "Folly chasing Death," symbolizes the eternal pursuit of fun and revelry, and their torch-lit procession adds a mystical element to the event, making it a unique and unforgettable experience for all who attend.