Article by: Drayten Nobles, Contributing Writer, Photos by Alex Allen

As the home of the original Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, Mobile, Alabama, its residents do not play around when it comes to Mardi Gras season. This year’s turnout showed just that. Even in the cold weather, more than a million people came out to enjoy the annual Mardi Gras festivities.

The Krewe de la Dauphine parade kicked off Mardi Gras season on January 17. This parade would be followed by the Conde Cavaliers, Joe Cain Procession, and more before ending on Fat Tuesday on February 17. 

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is an incredibly vibrant and exuberant festivity where millions come and party before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. The holiday is celebrated around the country in places such as Mobile, AL, and New Orleans, LA. Festivities include masked balls, parades, eating tons of food, and more. The festival originated from medieval European fertility and spring rituals, before French explorers traveled to the U.S and would hold the first celebration in Mobile, Alabama, in the year 1703. Then, in 1866, the event saw the Joe Cain revival, where Joe Cain, dressed as Chickasaw chief, Slacabamorinico, paraded around the street, which would later become an annual event named Joe Cain Day. The 300-year festival serves as one of the biggest events in the country and is something millions of people look forward to every year. 

By the Numbers

According to the Mobile Police Department, this year’s Mardi Gras season saw around 1,341,358 people attend parades, which was less than last year’s parades that saw around 1,367,141 people attend. The Fat Tuesday parades drew the largest crowd, with around 204,442 people in attendance. The city generated around $6.6 million in revenue from all festivities in total. 

Much like every other season, some people around Mobile had a little too much fun. Mobile Police reported that 383 vehicles were towed, a total of 40 arrests, and five children were lost during the parade. Each of those five children who were lost was eventually found and returned to their legal guardians. The 40 arrests include 34 misdemeanors and six felonies. 

In Conclusion

Overall, Mardi Gras in Mobile was an incredible event that saw thousands travel from around the country to visit Mobile. Next year’s season is expected to be a fast-paced 34-day season, ending on Fat Tuesday on February 9. For more information on Mardi Gras from this past year or next year, visit Mardi Gras in Mobile, AL | Events & Parade Schedules.