Is that a bird? A plane? A Mardi Gras moon pie?
Mardi Gras has a long and enthralling history with some clever twists and turns. Unbeknownst to many, the United States version of Mardi Gras actually originated in Mobile.
Yes, while New Orleans celebrates the biggest and most well-known Mardi Gras event, the people of Mobile Bay know who is the true original.
Aside from being the original, what makes the Mobile, Alabama Mardi Gras special? There are plenty of reasons to visit Alabama, but Mardi Gras is certainly our biggest party of the year, and it’s no different in our happy town of Dauphin Island. Book your vacation rental and join the fun!
History of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras in the United States dates back to 1703, in the charming and humble city of Mobile on Mobile Bay. Its origins are actually incredibly simple. Mobile was founded as the colonial capital of French Louisiana in 1702. Once founded, the people celebrated their iteration of Mardi Gras in their new and renowned city.
Mardi Gras was already established as a French Catholic tradition. So when King Louis XIV sent a group to defend their acquisition of the Louisane lands, including parts of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, it only made sense to party and celebrate once they though it considerably secured, tying into their religious background.
The celebration coincides with the day prior to Ash Wednesday. Also known as Fat Tuesday, the holiday is generally a celebration of excess prior to the period of fasting, often 47 days.
The French continued their homeland traditions in Mobile. Even once Spain took the city over in 1813, the area was still a foundation of fasting, celebration, and fun.
Mobile Mardi Gras Events
Mardi Gras extends roughly the entire month of February. Mardi Gras is not one massive event. It is actually a series of smaller events culminating in a month of music, art, dance, and much more.
Despite what some may think, Mardi Gras in Mobile is a family-friendly event. The city tones down its excess considerably. You are bound to see plenty of children out and about for the festivities. Many children’s activities cater to families, retaining a traditional and welcoming atmosphere throughout the month.
Part of this may have to do with the afternoon schedules. Events often begin in the morning and end in the late afternoon.
What kind of events can you expect? Overall, Mardi Gras is a series of thematic and fascinating parades. Some highlights include:
- Dauphin Island People’s Parade
- Loyal Order of the Fire Truck
- Order of LaShe’s
- Hickory Ridge Kids Krewe
- Order of the Rolling River
- Order of Butterfly Maidens
- Krewe of Marry Mates
- King Felix III, Floral parade
You can see that each parade has its own enthralling theme. The events capture both the French history of Dauphin Island and the religious aspects of fasting. Many of the parades will feature music, dancing, treats, special decorations, and more.
The full Dauphin Island Mardi Gras parade schedule covers the entire month, from February 2nd and continuing to March 5th, Fat Tuesday. You can visit it here. Dates and times may change.
Festival Events on Dauphin Island
Many of the Mardi Gras parades are in Fairhope, Mobile, Daphne, and other surrounding communities. But this doesn’t mean that Dauphin Island is left out of the loop. Aside from some amazing Dauphin Island parades, like the Dauphin Island People’s Parade, the coast side city also gets a few of its own festival events.
You can join in the fun at Fort Gaines for their various reenactment events, including Thunder on the Bay. Between sunset concerts art gallery showcases, there’s plenty to find and do for anyone looking for a cozy vacation experience.
Book Your Dauphin Island Rental with Us
We want to you to see all the excitement for the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities. Stay at one of our Dauphin Island vacation rentals to have an amazing Dauphin Island experience.
You can also review our numerous Holiday Isle vacation rentals for convenient amenities and comfortable accommodations. Book one of our places to stay and see the thrills and energy of Mardi Gras unfold before you.