It's often called the original Mardi Gras in the United States! The first-ever carnival celebration in America was held in Mobile, Alabama, in 1703. At that time, it was the capital of French Louisiana. Flamboyant parades and exclusive masked balls have been held in Mobile ever since. Festivities usually start in mid-January and end on Fat Tuesday.
Parades
Dozens of parades rock the downtown of Mobile during the Mardi Gras season. It begins with the Krewe de la Dauphine parade on Dauphin Island and Krewe of Riviere du Chien Parade on St. Andrews Loop. Don't miss Mobile Mystics, Mobile Mystical Revelers, and Mobile Mystical Friends events. Keep in mind that there are a few mystic societies in the city that date back several centuries. One procession is dedicated to Joe Cain, a Mobile native who initiated the modern way of observing Mardi Gras in the city after the Civil War.
Usually, revelers can count on at least one to three parades a festive day. But the culmination of the Mardi Gras celebration occurs on the last weekend. On Saturday, in particular, you can enjoy up to eight vibrant processions, whereas, the Fat Tuesday doesn't fall behind, with its six stunning parades on the bill. See the full parade schedule on the official website, mentioned in the External Resources below.
Flying moon pies tradition
Flying moon pies is one of the most prominent Mobile Mardi Gras traditions. Along with beads and doubloons, moon pies of various flavors are thrown into crowds from the floats during the parades. Moonpies are made of marshmallows and can have a banana, chocolate, peanut butter, mint, and other flavors.
Order of Myths is the oldest of Mobile societies. Its emblem “Folly chasing Death” is often displayed during the Mobile Mardi Gras celebration. Its procession uses torches to light up floats, which makes it more mystical.
