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Although The Big Easy in Louisiana is perhaps best-known for its Mardi Gras revelry, the port city of Mobile, Alabama, founded in 1702 by French settlers, lays claim to being the city that first 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. In 1703, Mobile, Alabama was the first city recorded to have the oldest organized Mardi Gras in the U.S., according to Curious Cuisiniere. "The first documented celebration of modern-day carnival, what people think of as carnival in the United States is historically without a doubt began in Mobile. Despite what you might have heard, Mardi Gras didn't get its start in New Orleans. You see, Mardi Gras began in Mobile, Alabama – a port city with close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, located Carnival, American Style: Mardi Gras at Mobile and New Orleans. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1990. "Mardi Gras in Mobile: Excerpts from the 1908 Diary of Young Visitor, Senta Jones." Gulf Coast Historical Review 11 (Spring 1996): 69-76. Mardi Gras Vertical Files, Mobile Public Library Local History and Genealogy Section, Mobile, Alabama. It's that time again! Time to revisit the centuries-old argument, “Which came first: Mardi Gras in Mobile or New Orleans?” Did the first Carnival happen in Louisiana in 1699 downriver from where New Orleans would be founded, or did it occur in Alabama in 1703 in the new settlement of Mobile? Here’s what we found out. The Argument for New In 1703, the first "organized" Mardi Gras was held in Mobile. From 1710 to around 1860, Mobile was the center of the celebration, with the city holding parades and parties celebrating Mardi Gras. The first Mardi Gras was held in Mobile, Alabama, in 1703. It was organized by French settlers who had arrived in the city the year before. On March 2, 1699, explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville created the plot known as Pointe du Mardi Gras near New Orleans. The parades start 18 days before Mardi Gras and are family-friendly — in stark contrast to that other city. Float riders toss doubloons — aluminum coins embossed with the society's name, year Mardi Gras first kicked off in Alabama, all thanks to some adventurous French explorers led by a guy named Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville. Back in 1699, Pierre scribbled down in his journal about the first-ever Mardi Gras shindig in Mobile. The folks back then celebrated with some hearty feasting and a wild night of mask-wearing shenanigans. Despite what you might have heard, Mardi Gras didn't get its start in New Orleans. You see, Mardi Gras began in Mobile, Alabama – a port city with close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, located In 1703, Mobile, Alabama was the first city recorded to have the oldest organized Mardi Gras in the U.S., according to Curious Cuisiniere. "The first documented celebration of modern-day carnival Don’t fret if you can’t make it the Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans or Mobile this year. There are tons of great celebrations happening all across Alabama. Find one near you and laissez les bon temps rouler! 2025 Mardi Gras at MidCity — Jan. 31-March 4 in Huntsville; Kick Off To Mardi Gras—Feb. 1 in Gadsden; Mardi Gras 5K—Feb. 8 Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated on “Fat Tuesday,” the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. In many areas, however, Mardi Gras has evolved into a week-long festival. Mardi Despite what you might have heard, Mardi Gras didn't get its start in New Orleans. Mardi Gras actually began in Mobile, Alabama – a port city with close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, located When Is Mardi Gras In Mobile Alabama? 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. Celebrate Mardi Gras in style with Mobile's vibrant parades, live music, and rich traditions! Parades start February 14th—discover event schedules and everything you need to enjoy the best Mardi Gras experience in Mobile, Alabama On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. Where Did Mardi Gras Originate Mobile Alabama? The Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Alabama are believed to have originated with the French Catholic settlers who arrived in the area in the late 17th century. These early celebrations were usually private affairs, held in houses or at public balls. According to legend, the parade began as a way of making noise with cowbells and rakes because the city sounded so natural. On January 6th, the city of New Orleans will celebrate Twelfth Night, which is the official start of the season of Lent. Did Mardi Gras Start In Mobile Alabama Or New Orleans?
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