By: Alexander Bowler, Contributing Writer
Photo by Alexander Bowler

Hey Jags! It’s that time of year again. Moon pies will soon be flying, beads will be slung, and good ole music will be playing from parade floats. Mardi Gras parades in Mobile are only a few days away! If you are new to South or to Mobile in general, here is a quick overview of Mardi Gras, what to expect, and where you can find the festivities. 

A History of Mardi Gras in Mobile

Our first Mardi Gras celebration was held in 1703 by French settlers who celebrated Pre-Lent (a Christian tradition). For the two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, there is at least one parade every day.

Mobile established a tradition in 1866 that New Orleans never got: Joe Cain Day. Joe Cain was a veteran who revived the parade tradition after the Civil War by decorating a charcoal cart and riding while dressed as “Chief Slac.” The celebrations to honor him are held the Sunday before Fat Tuesday.

What to Expect:

Look, I don’t want to scare you, but keep your head on a swivel. Even if floats have passed you, they will still chuck boxes of oatmeal cream pies and full bags of beads right at your head. 

Also, parking is absolutely atrocious once the parades start. You had better get there early and get a good spot. 

Some spots on these parade routes see the parade come through twice. These spots are metaphorical gold and highly contended for. They are also typically in the middle of the route. If you want to get there, be comfortable walking more than a few blocks. 

The first parade to kick off the season is the Conde Cavaliers at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14. In this parade, you can catch your very own Jaguar Marching Band playing the songs South, Jag Pride, and a Mardi Gras favorite, ”Do Watcha Wanna.” Parades will end in a massive final day called “Fat Tuesday” on March 4.

The parade schedule and any updates can be found here.

Lastly, please be safe, Jaguars. Remember to bring water and snacks. Even though we just had snow, temperatures will be in the upper 80s and low-to-mid 90s by the time those parades start. Enjoy what Mobile has to offer, but stay safe while doing it!