Mardi Gras balls were exclusive events closed off from most people outside of New Orleans society until this krewe revolutionized the event. In 1949, Edward Brennan Sr. created the krewe, a carnival Ball open to tourists. Early Mardi Gras Balls . Mardi Gras balls have been around since Louisiana was a French colony. Just as we do today, Creole society kicked off the season on Twelfth Night with the King’s Ball (the Bal de Roi). The highlight of the evening was the cutting of the King Cake (the Gateau des Rois). The first Mardi Gras celebration was in 1703, in Mobile, Alabama.The Mardi Gras festival was introduced to New Orleans years later. “It was in 1857 that the Mobile members of the Cowbellian de Rakin Society, formed in 1830, traveled to New Orleans and assisted with the formation of the Krewe of Comus, considered New Orleans’ most Mobile-area Mardi Gras balls and receptions for 2025: NOTE: This is the copyrighted property of Mobile Mask. If you wish to reproduce it, email Mobile Mask for permission at editor@mobilemask.com Saturday, January 11 Massacre Island Secret Society (Fort Gaines) Queens With Dreams (The Grounds) Friday, January 17 Port City Secondliners (The Grounds) High-society balls involve rituals and protocols that hark back Europe’s pre-Enlightenment, tradition-bound ancien régime.In the 19th century, especially after the Civil War, members of elite Carnival organizations — seeking to evoke a world of romance and chivalry as a tonic for the social and political upheaval of Reconstruction — began acting out aristocratic fantasies by carrying on Though pre-Lenten Mardi Gras balls and parties were held in New Orleans as early as the mid-1700s, the first documented parade in the city did not occur until 1837. This first parade more resembled a procession of revelers in costume than it did the large, organized parades of today. Mardi Gras parades will start rolling through the streets of downtown Mobile on Feb. 14 with the Conde Cavaliers. Most Mardi Gras organizations have balls that go along with the theme of their parade. And in 1872, Rex, the king of Mardi Gras made his debut. Today, hundreds of Mardi Gras clubs (krewes) host grand balls and dozens of parade. Balls and Parades . Mardi Gras balls are opulent affairs with kings, queens, royal courts, and an abundance of pomp and pageantry. The king of Mardi Gras himself, Arthur Hardy is your go-to guy for information on parade routes, krewes, Mardi Gras royalty, and everything in between. You can find it all in the Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Guide, which has been published since 1977 and contains 160 pages of facts, photos, and fun. Order your guide here. B - Beads Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. Mardi Gras parades will start rolling through the streets of Baldwin County on Feb. 21 with the Apollo’s Mystic Ladies. Most Mardi Gras organizations have balls that go along with the theme of SEE ALSO: Mobile Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2025. MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — City of Mobile releases information on Mardi Gras parking. Courtesy of Mobile Mask www.mobilemask.com. Saturday, January 11. Massacre Island Secret Society (Fort Gaines) Queens With Dreams (The Grounds) Friday, January 17. Port City Secondliners (The Grounds) Saturday Most Mardi Gras balls are invite-only. Sometimes, tickets can [] MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — King cake, parades, and beads are some of the most popular parts of the Mardi Gras celebration. Mardi Gras balls were exclusive events closed off from most people outside of New Orleans society until this krewe revolutionized the event. In 1949, Edward Brennan Sr. created the krewe, a carnival Ball open to tourists. LOUIS: Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse Lundi Gras Parade, 5:30 p.m. Bay St. Louis Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse Parade Route for 2025 (WLOX) Tuesday, March 4 - Mardi Gras. BAY ST. LOUIS: Krewe of Real People Parade, 1 p.m. The Krewe of Real People Next Generation Parade Route for 2023 (WLOX) BILOXI: Gulf Coast Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade Here’s a list of upcoming Mardi Gras events. PINE BELT. Hattiesburg: Mardi Gras Scholarship Ball. Lake Terrace Convention Center; Feb. 28 @ 7:00 p.m. General Admission: $25, VIP: $75; If you are interested in learning more about Mardi Gras Balls, buy New Orleans Carnival Balls: The Secret Side of Mardi Gras, 1870-1920 today! Jen Atkins and Brian Costello will also be speaking at the Barnes & Noble at Citiplace in Baton Rouge on Saturday, February 3rd at 1:30 p.m. Founded in 1983, the Krewe of Little Rascals is America's longest-running Mardi Gras krewe for children. Named after the famous group of kids from TV and film, the krewe patterns itself after adult Carnival clubs in the city with a pre-Mardi-Gras ball and parade. The Krewe was the visio read more » Below is the complete list of parades and events kicking off on Twelfth Night and culminating on Mardi Gras Day, March 4, 2025, with each parade description including the parade route. Submit a Mardi Gras Event The 2025 Mardi Gras season is just beginning, and Coastal Mississippi is packed full of fun parades and events perfect for incoming visitors. Come along with us as we celebrate the Carnival season! Laissez les bon temps rouler –– "Let the good times roll!"
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