Article by: Kiersten Brackelman, Contributing Writer

This year, the Massacre Island Secret Society (MISS) held its  annual Mardi Gras parade on February 1, 2026, on Dauphin Island. The procession started on Canal Street and proceeded through the roads of the island. Unique to the Massacre Island Secret Society, this parade occurs strictly at night and is completely lit by torchlight. 

The Massacre Island Secret Society is aptly named after the original title of Dauphin Island-Massacre Island. This moniker originated when French explorers discovered burial mounds when they first arrived, and they believed that a massacre had occurred. The rich and complex history of the island, which includes tales of pirates, explorers, natives, and settlers, is what inspired the society to form. MISS is a pirate organization established in 2020. Since then, they have held an annual nighttime parade as well as a Mardi Gras Ball. 

When it comes to the throws, the MISS aims for uniqueness and sustainability. As such, all the throws in the parade are handmade by the members. These range from shells, doubloon coins, ribbon wands, handkerchiefs, beads, and flower crowns. The floats were creatively designed to represent aspects of Dauphin Island and its history, including a willow tree, cannon, ship, snake, and a horse-drawn carriage. 

Those walking in the parade wore a variety of costumes. There was historically accurate clothing of the eighteenth century, as well as dancers dressed as bright and colorful birds. Among these were women dressed as The Pelican Girls, who were named after the ship that brought them to Dauphin Island, La Pelican. These women were sent from France in the early 1700s to marry settlers. Throughout the procession, there were multiple festive bands whose music and rhythm added to the immersive experience.

For more information about the Massacre Island Secret Society or information about their future events, check out their Facebook page: Massacre Island Secret Society Public Page.