Mardi Gras is more than a single day of celebration; it’s a season rich in history, symbolism, and community spirit. In Alabama, that history runs especially deep.

Though often linked with New Orleans, the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras celebration actually began in Mobile more than 300 years ago. With Mardi Gras falling on February 17 this year, communities across the Gulf Coast are once again preparing for vibrant parades, festive traditions, and time-honored customs.



Here’s a look at some fun facts that make Mardi Gras in Alabama truly unique.

While New Orleans may be famous for Mardi Gras, Alabama can proudly say it kicked it all off. The roots of Mardi Gras in Mobile stretch back to 1703 when French settlers celebrated their first year of survival in their new community. Today, that early celebration has evolved into a vibrant season of parades, pageantry, elaborate costumes, and cherished traditions.

According to Visit Mobile, “one of Mobile’s highly-anticipated Mardi Gras celebrations include Joe Cain Day, an event dedicated to the legacy of the key figure who helped revitalize the city’s post-Civil War efforts.” 

Ever wonder why everything turns purple, gold, and green this time of year? The official Mardi Gras colors were established in 1872 by the Rex organization in New Orleans, and each hue carries its own meaning. Purple represents justice, gold symbolizes power, and green stands for faith. 

And why three colors? According to the Mardi Gras New Orleans website, historians came to the conclusion that “the Rex founders believed ‘a king must have a kingdom and a kingdom must have a flag’ –and because the United States, Great Britain and France had tricolors flags, so should the flag that flew over Carnival.”

The term “Fat Tuesday” comes from the French Mardi Gras, which literally translates to “Fat Tuesday” (mardi = Tuesday, gras = fat). It refers to the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent in the Christian calendar, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer leading up to Easter. 

The tradition dates back to medieval Europe, when the days leading up to Lent were part of the Carnival season, blending pre-Lenten Christian customs with older pagan spring celebrations. On Mardi Gras, people would use up rich ingredients such as meat, butter, eggs, and cheese, to prevent waste and to enjoy one last day of indulgence before Lent began.

If you’ve lived through even one Alabama Mardi Gras season, you’ve likely encountered a King Cake, a colorful pastry made of a rich brioche dough and a wide array of fillings, such as cinnamon, chocolate, and cream cheese. King Cake is typically baked in a ring shape, similar to a traditional Bundt cake, but with a festive twist…hidden inside is a tiny plastic baby.  The lucky person who finds the baby in their slice is said to receive good luck, but there’s a fun responsibility, too: they’re expected to host the next celebration and bring the following King Cake, keeping the Mardi Gras festivities rolling.

In Mobile, especially, mystic societies play a central role in Mardi Gras. These private organizations (similar to a New Orleans krewe) host elaborate themed balls, select kings and queens, and organize many of the parades. According to the Mobile Carnival Association, “there are over 80 mystic societies in Mobile, with more than 38 of them parading during the 2 ½ weeks leading up to Mardi Gras Day.” 

The society masquerade balls are usually private, invitation-only events. Guests are expected to follow a strict dress code, and many attendees complete their look with masks. The evening is filled with music, dancing, and plenty of food and drinks, making these gatherings a highlight of Mardi Gras season.

Mardi Gras in Mobile isn’t just for adults; it’s a celebration for the whole family. The atmosphere is deeply rooted in local community, with generations of families often staking out the same parade spots year after year. The parades themselves are whimsical, colorful, and full of creativity, with floats and performances designed to entertain people of all ages. 

As you can see, Alabama’s Mardi Gras offers a one-of-a-kind celebration that blends history, culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, there’s a sense of joy and tradition that makes every moment memorable. So, grab your purple, gold, and green, and experience the magic of Mardi Gras in Alabama!