Mobile Carnival poster from 1900. Floats lining up for an Order of Inca parade in 2007. Mardi Gras is the annual Carnival celebration in Mobile, Alabama.It is the oldest official Carnival celebration in the United States, started by Frenchman Nicholas Langlois in 1703 when Mobile was the capital of Louisiana. Mardi Gras Day is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday; the date will vary yearly. It generally falls between February 3rd and March 9th. It is always 47 days before the Christian holiday of Easter. Celebrations generally start around two weeks before Mardi Gras Day. However, like in many areas in Alabama, Mardi Gras Mobile starts well before. The battle over Mardi Gras colors will be on full display during Joe Cain Day during the annual procession that starts at 2:30 p.m. in downtown Mobile. Related Reading: History of the Mardi Gras King Cake. Fun Facts About Mardi Gras in Mobile . 1. The celebration’s traditional motif is green, purple, and gold. Gold and purple have always been the colors of Mardi Gras in Mobile. Purple has long been associated with European royal dynasties. It is also the liturgical color of Lent in Christianity. The Values Represented by Mardi Gras Colors. The Mardi Gras colors, rich in history and cultural significance, represent a set of values that are central to the celebration. Justice, Faith, and Power. The three primary colors of Mardi Gras – purple, green, and gold – represent justice, faith, and power, respectively. The Mardi Gras colors weren’t given an official meaning until 1892, when the Rex parade had the theme “Symbolism of Colors.” That’s the year it was decided that purple stood for justice, The ‘Nevergreens’ member, who wished to remain anonymous, said green was added to the Mardi Gras color palate in 1872 in New Orleans, 169 years after Mobile’s first official Mardi Gras with The colors have become so intertwined with Mardi Gras that their mere presence can evoke the spirit of the celebration, even in places far from New Orleans. Cultural Evolution and Global Influence. The impact of these Mardi Gras colors has spread well beyond their initial purpose, inspiring artists, designers, and cultural festivities globally. The 2025 Mardi Gras celebration in the City of Mobile, Alabama begins on February 14 and continues through March 4, marking the city’s grand carnival season. This festive period stands as a testament to the rich history of Mobile Alabama Mardi Gras, dating back to 1703 when the tradition first started here. Mardi Gras in the Port City dates back to 1703 (New Orleans’ version became popular in the 1730s), when New World French explorers had a celebration at Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff, the first settlement in what is now Mobile. The original “parade” took place on Dauphin Street (a major thoroughfare where the festivities still happen today) in Lisa Previto opens the doors of Veet’s at noon. That’s not normal, but not much is during Mardi Gras. This is the first night of Mobile’s parading season. The Conde Cavaliers will parade at Mobilians are also credited with forming the Masque de la Mobile, a precursor to today's mystic societies, in 1704. It lasted until 1709. The "Boeuf Gras Society" was created in 1710, and that The Artistic Expression of Mobile Mardi Gras The Colors of Mobile Mardi Gras. The vibrant colors of Mardi Gras are a defining characteristic of the festival. Purple, green, and gold are the traditional colors associated with the celebration. Purple represents justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold stands for power. The Masks of Mobile Mardi Gras "Alabama's largest Mardi Gras party north of Mobile" begins with a parade at 11 a.m. Please join us AFTER the Parade for “Party Gras” on the Courthouse Lawn! Gumbo, chili, and beverages available for purchase from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. In the U.S., Mardi Gras was celebrated where the French set up colonies with the first U.S. Mardi Gras parade being held in Mobile, Alabama in 1703. After New Orleans became the capital of French America (the area of which later became the 1803 Louisiana Purchase), the largest and most-famous Mardi Gras parades occur there. The colorful tradition of Mardi Gras has spread far beyond the festivities in New Orleans and wider Louisiana. Mardi Gras is now celebrated in cities across the United States and around the world – and purple, green and gold go along for the ride. Anywhere Mardi Gras is observed, the three colors dominate proceedings. Economic Impact of Mardi Gras on Mobile: Mardi Gras 2025 Mobile Al. Mardi Gras in Mobile is more than just a vibrant celebration; it’s a significant economic driver for the city. The influx of tourists, the increased spending, and the activation of various sectors contribute substantially to Mobile’s annual revenue and overall economic health. A fun, breezy way to celebrate Mardi Gras, the Alabama Outdoors Comfort Colors Mardi Gras Let The Good Times Roll Boxy Short Sleeve Cropped T-Shirt is a must-have. Features: Comfort Colors styles are garment dyed for that lived in feel and almost no shrinkage at home; Made with 100% soft ring spun U.S. cotton fabric and cotton threads Downtown Mobile’s first parade of the 2025 Mardi Gras season doesn’t roll until Feb. 14, but one of the city’s breweries presents a kick-off event Sunday for those who can’t wait for the The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras celebration dates all the way back to 1978. A group of locals formed the Pleasure Island Players and began celebrating Mardi Gras in the beautiful popular tourist destination, Gulf Shores. This long-time celebrated parade features locals and community partners gathering to give Gulf Shores a good time for Mardi Gras.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |