When you think of “Mardi Gras,” which city comes to mind? If you answered New Orleans, that’s understandable. But if you think that is the only answer, allow me to enlighten you. Here’s the truth about Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, including where it actually began way back in 1703. Laissez les bons temps roule! Let the good times roll!
Mardi Gras Mobile Alabama —The Original Party City

Mobile, Alabama is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the Southeastern US. French settlers, who were sent to North America to defend the territory of ‘Louisiene,’ brought the “Fat Tuesday” celebration stateside in the 1700s. It is home to the first recorded celebration of Mardi Gras in the United States that occurred in 1703. After the Civil War, stories say that Mobile native Joe Cain “fed up with post-war misery, led an impromptu parade down city streets” and the city has been celebrating ever since. Mobile, Alabama truly comes alive during Mardi Gras season, with vibrant colors, lively music, and a sense of community that is unmatched.
The parades and subsequent balls are hosted by groups from the Mobile Mystics Society. These Mystic Societies established the first celebratory groups in New Orleans where they are called “Krewes.” These societies fill the streets of downtown Mobile and the surrounding areas with crowds of parade goers, Mardi Gras beads, the sounds of live marching bands, and elaborate floats to celebrate the carnival season.
Who is Joe Cain? Why You Need to Know About Him
A unique aspect of the Mardi Gras history in Mobile is the story of Joseph Stillwell Cain also known as Joe Cain. Legend claims, supported by some evidence, that Joe Cain is “widely recognized for initiating the way Mobile now celebrates Mardi Gras,” according to Steve Joynt of the Mobile Mask. The History Museum of Mobile has newspaper clippings with articles written by Joe Cain and others detailing his ride into town as he brought the celebration to the city of Mobile.
“According to newspaper accounts of the time, located by Mobile Mask, Joe Cain and the Lost Cause Minstrels first rode through Mobile on the afternoon of Mardi Gras Day 1868. He was first not by two years, he was first by several hours, just ahead of the first Order of Myths parade.”
Since 1967, the Sunday before Fat Tuesday has been known in the around the Gulf Coast as Joe Cain Day. Historian Judy Rayford believed Joe was an important historical figure in the Mobile Mardi Gras tradition, and the Joe Cain Procession was born. Unlike elaborate parades organized by traditional mystic societies, Joe Cain’s namesake parade is “usually a neighborhood or a large group of friends building plywood floats on trailer beds. Some even use old school buses,” according to the Mobile Mask.
Take the Family to Mardi Gras in Mobile Alabama
My first Mardi Gras experience in Mobile happened came as a newlywed. My husband’s family had been attending Mardi Gras events in south Alabama for years. I didn’t truly understand Mardi Gras until I caught my first “throw.” After experiencing the joy myself, I knew this would be something our family would continue to go to year after year. I hope these tips will help you make the most of your experience.
Check the Parade Schedule and Make Plans
It is best to have a plan before you go. This piece of advice may seem redundant, but trust me when I say Mobile takes Mardi Gras seriously and attempting to just “wing it” could result in a less than stellar experience. Planning ahead will also help narrow down which of the dozens of parades to attend.
Check out the Mobile Mask for the latest information on parades and schedules every year. We usually pick a parade in Baldwin County. However, we have also gone to parades in downtown Mobile like the Mystics of time or the Knights of Revelry. Our first family parade was the Knights of Ecor Rouge in Fairhope. We’ve been going to that parade ever year since 2009. It has local school marching bands, fun themes, and it is just the right length for young kids and their attention spans.
Arrive Early
Parking can be a problem, whether you are in downtown Mobile or in the suburbs. If the parade starts at 6 pm, aim to arrive by 5 pm or even earlier if you can swing it. Trust me when I say attempting to arrive five minutes before a parade kicks off is a mistake. One of the best places to be on a parade route is at a corner where floats slow down to turn. They often have to slow down or stop to make the turn and your chance to catch a good throw rises exponentially!
Dress Accordingly
- Dress in layers.
- Be ready for cool nights and warmer days.
- Bring blankets or chairs for sitting while you wait.
Mardi Gras celebrations can change each year as the weather in south Alabama is often unpredictable in the mid-to-late winter. I suggest that you don’t carry too much with you. You will collect a lot of treasures, so you might need more hands to help carry everything! A light jacket, a sweatshirt, and a hat are great options. They are easy to put on or take off if the weather changes on you (which native Alabamians can attest happens more often than not)!
Bring a Bag, Bin, or Tote for Throws
Have you ever heard of a “throw”? If not, that’s okay! A throw is a free prize tossed from a Mardi Gras parade float. Throws are a coveted prize for every Mardi Gras parade attendees, and society members pride themselves on having the best. In addition to beads, other popular “throw” items include Moon Pies, cups, coins, plush toys, plastic toys, lighted toys, and more.
Pro tip: If you have a cute or small child in your group, encourage them to shout, “Hey Mister! Throw me something!” The revelers love to reward small children with great prizes!
Other Mardi Gras Fun
What if you don’t like parades? That’s okay! You can still enjoy the history and culture of Mardi Gras. You don’t need to attend a parade to experience it. In addition to parades, Mobile Alabama hosts a variety of events during Mardi Gras season, such as balls, concerts and other live music, and street parties. These events offer a different way to immerse yourself in the festivities and celebrate the spirit of the season.
Mobile Carnival Museum
Families can experience a different side of the city’s history at the Mobile Carnival Museum. The museum is sponsored by one of the oldest organizations in Mobile, the Mobile Carnival Association. They work with the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association on Mardi Gras issues as well as supporting each organization’s coronoation of a “King” and “Queen” of Mardi Gras.
Families can see vintage photos in the museum gallery while also learning about the art of designing costumes and making floats. Additionally, kids can join in on the fun by trying on costumes made just for them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have other questions that may not have been answered? Do you just love random trivia and can’t get enough of it? You’re in luck! I’m more than happy to oblige with a few more frequently asked questions.
What is the first parade of the season?
Mardi Gras may not be until March this year, but the festivities begin almost a month in advance! The Krewe de la Dauphine from Dauphin Island, which is just off the coast of Alabama, has the honor of the first parade of the season on February 1, 2025.
What are some of the societies that have parades?
Mobile is home to over 80 Mystic Societies and there are over 39 parades throught the Carnival season. Some of the socity are the Order of Polka Dots, the Order of Lashe, Order of Inca, and the Mystic Stipers Society.
Does it cost anything to see a parade?
No, there is not cost to see a parade. The only cost is your time!