Mobile Mardi Gras 2025

Party through the streets of Mobile at America's oldest Mardi Gras, shining in green, purple, and gold!

Mobile, Alabama, is recognized as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States. French settlers initiated the tradition back in 1703, making it the country’s oldest Mardi Gras celebration. It even predates the famous festivities in New Orleans!

Mobile's first official Mardi Gras parade, held in 1830, was led by the Cowbellion de Rakin Society. This was the first mystic society, a secretive group that organized elaborate parades and balls—a tradition that continues today!

After the Civil War in 1867, Joseph Stillwell Cain revived and popularized Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebrations. He paraded through the streets dressed as "Chief Slacabamorinico," restoring the festive spirit. His actions inspired the creation of Joe Cain Day, an essential celebration in Mobile’s Mardi Gras tradition.

Interestingly, Mobile’s Mardi Gras parades are famous for throwing MoonPies, a tradition that began in the 1950s as a safer alternative to glass beads. Today, these treats are a beloved symbol of the celebration!

Come to Mobile! The Mardi Gras celebrations will last from February 14 to March 4. Don't miss these joyful festivities!

What to Expect When Attending Mobile Mardi Gras 2025

Expect plenty of excitement at Mobile Mardi Gras 2025, with parades both day and night in downtown Mobile. The festival begins with the Conde Cavaliers parade at 6:30 PM on Valentine's Day. It’ll offer a mix of tradition, entertainment, and family-friendly fun from the start! The night parades, starting with this one, feature bright, illuminated floats.

Each float is part of a "mystic society," Mobile’s equivalent of New Orleans’ krewes. The floats will be followed by marching bands and dance troupes.

Some of the parades you surely don't want to miss are by Mobile Mystics, Mobile Mystical Revelers, and Mobile Mystical Friends, held on February 22. These societies, with their rich histories, add unique traditions to the Carnival season. Watch for the variety of items they throw, including beads, Moon Pies, and other trinkets, enhancing the festive excitement.

The Sunday before Fat Tuesday, March 2, is Joe Cain Day. It features the Joe Cain Procession at 2 PM and Le Krewe de Bienville at 5 PM.

The MAMGA Mammoth Parade takes place on Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras Day. Later that evening, the Order of Myths Parade occurs, marking the finale of the Mardi Gras season. This final parade features traditional symbols, such as Folly chasing Death around a broken column, symbolizing the triumph of fun over adversity

The winter period in the Deep South will be warmer than usual, with temperatures in late February possibly dipping into the 40s°F (4-9°C) at night. Daytime highs could range from 60-70°F (15-21°C), though there may be periods of rain. Bring an umbrella and your best mood, and enjoy the festivities!

Tickets

You can celebrate this colorful event for free! However, tickets are required for some balls and special events, which can be purchased at the Mobile Carnival Association office.

Security Protocols

• Security personnel and police officers guide the crowd and ensure everyone's safety.
• Medical staff, including paramedics and first responders, are stationed at key points along parade routes.
• Prohibited items include large bags or backpacks and dangerous objects.

How to Get To or From the Event

• Car: Mobile is accessible by highways like I-10 and I-65. Parking is available in downtown Mobile, though it can be limited during peak parade times. Arrive early to find a good spot!
• Public transit: The city’s public bus system (Wave Transit) offers routes to downtown. Check the official website for the best route and schedules.
• Shuttle services: Consider using Mardi Gras-specific shuttle services or ride-sharing apps for large crowds.

Mobile Mardi Gras 2025 Bag Policy

Remember, large bags and backpacks won’t be allowed. The event doesn't provide an area to store your luggage.

You don't have to worry about your bags since you have Bounce.

Bounce is a platform that provides secure places for storing bags. We help travelers enjoy the event without worrying about their belongings.

You can contact us on our website or our mobile app and book in just a few taps!

Mobile Mardi Gras 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bags With Bounce and Join the Oldest Mardi Gras in America

The process is easy with the help of our Bounce partner.

Bounce partners with local businesses, with 13,000 locations for storing your luggage in more than 2000 cities, including Mobile.

A Bounce partner will assist in finding a convenient luggage storage location.

Explore Mobile and pick out a convenient Bounce location. After contacting the Bounce partner online and paying, consider everything done! The price is just $6.90 per day, and there is no cancellation fee if you can't make it! We also offer 24/7 support.

How to Stow Your Bag at Mobile Mardi Gras 2025 With Bounce

• Book easily: Choose the location, contact the Bounce partner, and pay online.
• Go to the location: Arrive at the location, show the confirmation, and store your belongings.
• Have fun at the Mobile Mardi Gras: Go to the event and enjoy!

How to Make the Most Out of Mobile Mardi Gras 2025

• Check the schedule: Look at the Mardi Gras Parade schedule and decide which parades you want to see! Each features different krewes with unique themes and floats. You have plenty of parades to pick from - from King Felix III and Floral Parade to the Knights of Revelry Parade!
• Explore nearby attractions: Consider visiting the Mobile Carnival Museum, which has stunning displays of costumes, gowns, and robes worn by Mardi Gras royalty, such as kings and queens of the Krewes. At the museum, you can also view miniature replicas of the elaborate floats seen in Mardi Gras parades!
• Embrace the spirit of the celebration: Dress in traditional colors—purple, green, and gold—and blend into the lively atmosphere!

Visit Mobile this winter and leave your luggage with Bounce! Get ready for a unique experience and create lasting memories!