Carnival season is picking up around the Gulf Coast, but you don't have to travel to New Orleans or even across the bay to Mobile to get in on the festivities.
It’s a common misconception that New Orleans is the home of Mardi Gras. In fact, it’s South Alabama that originally paraded through the streets. The Mobile celebration started in 1719 and partied on over to Baldwin County soon after. Today, crowds line both sides of Mobile Bay to participate in this Gulf Coast tradition. Patrons catch MoonPies, doubloons, cups, beads, stuffed animals and other goodies.
While Mardi Gras balls and organization parties require invitations from members, parades are open to the public.
SATURDAY, FEB. 15
Elberta Parade, 2 p.m. – Elberta
FRIDAY, FEB. 21
Apollo Mystic Ladies, 6:45 p.m. – Daphne
SATURDAY, FEB. 22
Mystic Mutts of Revelry, 3 p.m. – Fairhope
Knights of Ecor Rouge, 6:30 p.m. – Fairhope
FRIDAY, FEB. 28
Maids of Jubilee, 6:45 p.m. – Fairhope
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
Krewe de Kaoz, 11 a.m. – Foley
OWA's Puppy Gras, 2:30 p.m. (1 p.m. for all Puppy Gras events) – Foley
Krewe of Mullet Mates, 2 p.m. – Mullet Point
Marshals Parade, 5:30 p.m. – Orange Beach
Mystics of Pleasure, 6 p.m. – Orange Beach
Knights of Cote d’Azur, 6:30 p.m. – Loxley
The Shadow Barons, 6:45 p.m. – Daphne
SUNDAY, MARCH 2 - JOE CAIN DAY
Fort Morgan Parading Society, 1 p.m. – Fort Morgan
Loyal Order of The Fire Truck, 2:29 p.m. – Daphne
SHOW Parade of Possibilities, 1:30 p.m. – Orange Beach
OWA Parade, 6 p.m. (Mardi Gras events start at 2 p.m.) – Foley
MONDAY, MARCH 3 - LUNDI GRAS
The Wharf's Moonpies on Main, 4 p.m. / 6 p.m. – Orange Beach
Order of Mystic Magnolias, 6:45 p.m. – Fairhope
TUESDAY, MARCH 4 - FAT TUESDAY
Gulf Shores Parade, 10 a.m. – Gulf Shores
Orange Beach Parade, 2 p.m. – Orange Beach
Parade dates, times and routes are subject to change due to weather and other circumstances.
* Sources: MobileMask.com, Facebook, Big Beautiful Baldwin, City websites, Alabama Travel
