Get ready to dive into the fun and excitement of Mobile’s Mardi Gras! Did you know that Mobile, Alabama, is actually the original home of Mardi Gras in the United States? That’s right, even before New Orleans, Mobile was throwing these epic street parties. The tradition started way back in 1703, thanks to the city’s French Catholic roots. Over the years, it’s turned into a mix of awesome parades, fancy balls, and street celebrations that everyone loves.
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is all about having a blast before the start of Lent. In Mobile, it’s not just a day – it’s a whole season of fun, color, and amazing costumes. Each group, or “krewe,” that puts on a parade has its own style and story, making every parade a unique experience.
As we walk you through the 2024 Mobile Mardi Gras parade schedule, we’re not just giving you times and places. We’ll share a bit of the magic behind each parade, showing you how Mobile’s Mardi Gras is more than just a party – it’s a living piece of history that keeps evolving. So, grab your beads and get ready for a rundown of the most exciting parades hitting the streets of Mobile in 2024!
2024 Mobile Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
Friday, January 26
- 6:30 p.m. – Conde Cavaliers (Route A): Kick off your Mardi Gras experience with the Conde Cavaliers. Known for their vibrant energy and dazzling light displays, this parade sets the perfect tone for the festivities ahead.
Saturday, January 27
- 2:00 pm – Bayport Parading Society (Route A): Join the Bayport Parading Society for an afternoon of family-friendly fun. Their parade is a delightful mix of whimsical floats and lively music, ideal for parade-goers of all ages.
- 2:30 pm – Mystic DJ Riders (Route A): The Mystic DJ Riders bring a modern twist to Mardi Gras, combining traditional parade elements with contemporary music spun by local DJs.
- 6:30 pm – Pharaohs’ Mystic Society (Route A): Step into a world of ancient mystery with the Pharaohs’ Mystic Society. Their parade is a spectacle of Egyptian-themed floats and costumes, creating a truly mystical experience.
- 7:00 pm – Conde Explorers (Route A): The Conde Explorers are known for their inclusive spirit and diverse themes. Their parade is a vibrant celebration of Mobile’s rich cultural tapestry.
Thursday, February 1
- 6:30 p.m. – Order of Polka Dots (Route A): The Order of Polka Dots, an all-female krewe, lights up the night with their sparkling costumes and elaborately decorated floats. This parade is a testament to the empowering spirit of women in Mardi Gras.
Friday, February 2
- 6:30 p.m. – Order of Inca (Route A): Immerse yourself in the mystical ambiance of the Order of Inca. Their parade is a dazzling display of lights and sounds, featuring floats that pay homage to Incan and South American cultures.
Saturday, February 3
- 2:00 p.m. – Mobile Mystics (Route A): The Mobile Mystics are a crowd favorite, known for their lively and interactive parades. Expect a fun-filled afternoon with engaging floats and energetic music.
- 2:30 p.m. – Mobile Mystical Revelers (Route A): Join the Mobile Mystical Revelers for a parade that combines the best of Mardi Gras traditions with a touch of mystery and enchantment.
- 3:00 p.m. – Mobile Mystical Friends (Route A): The Mobile Mystical Friends bring a sense of community and camaraderie to their parade, featuring a variety of creative floats and local marching bands.
- 6:30 p.m. – Maids of Mirth (Route G): The Maids of Mirth offer an evening of elegance and entertainment. Their parade is a showcase of beautifully designed gowns and sophisticated floats.
- 7:00 p.m. – Order of Butterfly Maidens (Route A): The Order of Butterfly Maidens is a visual delight, with participants adorned in colorful, butterfly-themed costumes. This parade is a celebration of beauty and nature.
- 7:30 p.m. – Krewe of Marry Mates (Route A): The Krewe of Marry Mates adds a touch of romance to Mardi Gras. Their parade features couples and themes of love, making it a unique and heartwarming experience.
Sunday, February 4
- 6:30 p.m. – Neptune’s Daughters (Route A): Dive into a sea-themed adventure with Neptune’s Daughters. This parade is known for its oceanic motifs and spectacular nautical floats.
- 7:00 p.m. – Order of Isis (Route A): The Order of Isis brings a touch of ancient Egyptian glamour to Mobile. Their parade is a mesmerizing display of golden hues and pharaonic symbols.
Monday, February 5
- 6:30 p.m. – Order of Venus (Route A): Celebrate love and beauty with the Order of Venus. Their parade is a tribute to the Roman goddess, featuring romantic themes and elegant floats.
- 7:00 p.m. – Order of Many Faces (Route A): The Order of Many Faces is known for its diverse and multicultural themes. This parade is a colorful tapestry of global traditions and costumes.
Tuesday, February 6
- 6:30 p.m. – Order of LaShe’s (Route A): The Order of LaShe’s is an all-female krewe that brings a powerful mix of music, dance, and elaborate costumes to the streets of Mobile.
- 7:00 pm – Order Of Olympia (Route A): Experience the grandeur of ancient Greece with the Order of Olympia. Their parade is a majestic display of Greek mythology and history.
Thursday, February 8
- 6:30 p.m. – Mystic Stripers Society (Route A): The Mystic Stripers Society is famous for their thrilling themes and lively atmosphere. Expect a night of high energy and entertainment with this parade.
Friday, February 9
- 6:30 p.m. – Crewe of Columbus (Route A): Dive into history with the Crewe of Columbus parade. This event pays homage to the explorers of the New World with intricately designed floats and a mix of traditional and modern music.
- 7:00 p.m. – Krewe de Secondline (Route A): Embrace the spirit of New Orleans with the Krewe de Secondline. This parade is a lively celebration of jazz music, featuring brass bands and second-line dancing.
Saturday, February 10
- 12:00 p.m. – Floral Parade (Route A): The Floral Parade is a feast for the eyes, showcasing floats adorned with intricate floral designs and vibrant colors.
- 12:30 p.m. – Knights of Mobile (Route A): The Knights of Mobile bring a touch of medieval flair to Mardi Gras. Their parade features chivalric themes and regal costumes.
- 1:00 p.m. – Mobile Mystical Ladies (Route A): The Mobile Mystical Ladies offer an elegant and sophisticated parade experience, with beautifully designed floats and graceful costumes.
- 1:30 p.m. – Order of Angels (Route A): The Order of Angels parade is a heavenly display of angelic motifs and ethereal music, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
- 2:00 p.m. – Joy of Life (Route A): Celebrate the Joy of Life with this uplifting and vibrant parade. It’s a jubilant event that spreads happiness and positivity through the streets of Mobile.
- 5:45 p.m. – Mystic of Time (Route H): The Mystic of Time parade is a journey through the ages. Expect to see a variety of historical and futuristic themes, making it a unique and memorable experience.
Sunday, February 11 – Joe Cain Day
- 12:00 noon – Alba Temple Motorcade (Route I): The Alba Temple Motorcade brings a different mode of parade to Mardi Gras, featuring a procession of decorated vehicles and motorbikes.
- 2:00 pm – King Elexis I (Route E): King Elexis I parade is a regal and majestic event, celebrating the royalty of Mardi Gras with elaborate floats and royal attire.
- 2:30 pm – Joe Cain Marchers (Route A): The Joe Cain Marchers pay tribute to the man who revived Mardi Gras in Mobile. This parade is filled with tradition and a sense of historical reverence.
- 3:00 pm – Joe Cain Society (Route A): Join the Joe Cain Society for a parade that honors the legacy of Joe Cain with unique customs and a festive atmosphere.
- 5:00 pm – Le Krewe de Bienville (Route A): Le Krewe de Bienville offers an evening of historical themes, celebrating the founder of Mobile with floats that depict various aspects of the city’s rich past.
Monday, February 12 – Lundi Gras
- 12:00 p.m. – King Felix III Parade (Route A): Witness the grandeur of the King Felix III Parade, a highlight of Lundi Gras, featuring the coronation of the Mardi Gras king and his court.
- 12:30 p.m. – Floral Parade (Route A): The Floral Parade makes a second appearance, enchanting onlookers with its beautiful floral-themed floats and vibrant displays.
- 3:00 p.m. – MLK Business and Civic Organization Parade (Route D): This parade honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with local businesses and civic groups joining in a celebration of community and unity.
- 3:30 p.m. – MLK Monday Mystics (Route D): The MLK Monday Mystics bring a sense of community spirit and celebration, with a parade that highlights local culture and heritage.
- 4:00 p.m. – Northside Merchants (Route D): The Northside Merchants parade showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of Mobile, with local businesses participating in a lively and colorful procession.
- 7:00 p.m. – Infant Mystics (Route F): The Infant Mystics are known for their mysterious and enchanting themes. Their parade is a captivating experience, filled with intrigue and wonder.
- 7:30 p.m. – Order of Doves (Route F): The Order of Doves parade is a serene and graceful event, featuring elegant floats and a peaceful, harmonious atmosphere.
Tuesday, February 13 – Fat Tuesday
- 10:30 a.m. – Order of Athena (Route A): Start Fat Tuesday with the Order of Athena, celebrating the wisdom and strength of women. This parade is a tribute to the Greek goddess and features empowering themes.
- 12:30 p.m. – Knights of Revelry (Route A): The Knights of Revelry bring humor and joy to Mardi Gras. Their parade is known for its comedic themes and lighthearted spirit.
- 1:00 p.m. – King Felix III Parade (Route A): The King Felix III Parade makes a majestic return, marking the height of Mardi Gras celebrations with royal splendor and grandeur.
- 1:30 p.m. – Comic Cowboys (Route A): The Comic Cowboys offer a humorous take on current events and local happenings. This parade is a favorite for its satirical floats and witty commentary.
- 2:00 p.m. – MAMGA Mammoth (Route B): The MAMGA Mammoth parade is a grand and vibrant celebration of African American culture and heritage, featuring lively music, dance, and elaborate costumes.
- 6:00 p.m. – Order of Myths (Route C): Conclude your Mardi Gras experience with the Order of Myths. This parade is steeped in tradition, featuring symbolic and mysterious themes that hearken back to the origins of Mardi Gras in Mobile.
Safety Guidelines for Attendees:
- Maintain vigilance and safeguard personal items.
- Adhere to the directives of parade officials and law enforcement.
- Keep a safe distance from the parade floats and participants.
Prime Viewing Locations:
- Bienville Square: A family-friendly zone with excellent views.
- Royal Street: Perfect for those seeking an immersive experience.
- Washington Square: A more relaxed spot, ideal for avoiding crowds.
Unique Mardi Gras Customs in Mobile:
- Moon Pies and Beads Tradition: Discover the fun of catching Moon Pies and beads from the parade floats.
- The Royal Court: Uncover the history and selection process of King Felix III and his court.
Want To Make Mardi Gras A Permanent Fixture In Your Life?
As the last float passes and the final bead is thrown, the 2024 Mobile Mardi Gras parade schedule will leave you with unforgettable memories. From the vibrant parades to the rich history that dances through the streets of Mobile, this celebration is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the spirit of community and joy that defines this city. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the magic of Mardi Gras in Mobile is something that stays with you long after the music fades.
If the energy and excitement of Mardi Gras have captured your heart, and you’re dreaming of being part of this incredible community, why not make it a reality? Living where the Mardi Gras spirit thrives year-round isn’t just a fantasy. Whether you’re looking for a cozy home to call your own or a vibrant neighborhood to join, we’re here to help make that dream come true.
Reach out to us, Tony and Jessica from Living in Lower Alabama Real Estate Fam. We’re your go-to experts for all things real estate in this lively region. From finding the perfect spot close to the parade routes to discovering a peaceful retreat just minutes away from the festivities, we’ve got you covered. Let us guide you to your new home in the heart of Mardi Gras country. Give us a call, and let’s turn your dream of living in the vibrant heart of Lower Alabama into a reality!