Mardi Gras in Mobile

It's a fabulous party and everyone is invited. If you have never visited Mobile during Mardi Gras you really should come.

It's a really fun tradition. And when I say tradition it really has a lot of tradition involved every year that would not be obvious to visitors. From driving downtown along the same route, to parking in the same area each year to standing in the same spot.

I have friends who watch all the parades under the same oak tree every year, and have for years (I'm sure 20+) Now on Joe Cain Day (the Sunday before Mardi Gras), the Monday before Mardi Gras and on Mardi Gras Day they watch the parade in front of the motel that they stay in first. But then it's to the tree they go to watch the parade two more times (coming and going). You can always find them. They are always in the same place. My daughter texted me last night from the oak tree. There is now a second generation headed to the same oak tree each year.

I have other friends that begin each evening parade at the same bar and then watch the parade on the same corner outside the bar. Others meet in front of other hotels, at the parks, and in front of designated office buildings or parking lots. All around downtown, the crowds are so much more organized than they look like. The riders on the floats know where to look for their friends.

Other Mardi Gras traditions:

Mardi Gras hats! There are some very original Mardi Gras hats out there.

Decorating the motel room. - It's the first thing that is done when the regulars check into
their rooms. Many of the rooms are more decorated than anything you would do at home
for Christmas.

The annual poker game.

Roaming the streets between and after the parades

Visiting with friends that you only see once a year at parades and/or balls

Introducing a new child or grandchild to the festivities, that include corn dogs and moon pies
and Mardi Gras beads.

Actually eating the annual corn dog. Some people actually eat the moon pies.

For a lot of great Mardi Gras in the City of Mobile has great information
http://cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.