Did you know Mardi Gras in Alabama started 15 years before New Orleans? It’s true! In 1703 the first Mardi Gras in America was held in Mobile. Today we continue the Alabama tradition with festive Orange Beach Mardi Gras parades and balls!
Book your condo today for Alabama Mardi Gras and make it a vacation to remember!
The history of Mardi Gras is that it was initially a festival signaling the approaching of Lent (Lent is a season where Christians abstain from something). After several days of reveling, they would go out with a bang on Fat Tuesday! This Tuesday referred to the last day of indulgence before Christians began their official fasts on Ash Wednesday.
In Orange Beach, we continue the tradition today with exciting parades that are fun for the whole family. My Beach Getaways shares below the upcoming Mardi Gras schedule for Gulf Shores and hopes that you will make the trip out here to celebrate with us!
Mardi Gras Hot Tip: Don’t forget to pack a few empty bags to collect all the tossed goodies.
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
Fri. Feb. 9 @ 6:30 p.m. – Mystical Order of Mirams (Orange Beach)
This is a float and truck parade.
Sat. Feb. 10 @ 6 p.m. – Mystics of Pleasure (Orange Beach)
Fabulous Mardi Gras parade that has been held since 2001.
It begins at 24131 Perdido Beach Blvd. and ends at Hwy 161, Orange Beach.
Parade route map
Mon. Feb 12 Moon Pies on Main at the Wharf
Kid and Pet Parade at 4 pm.
Adult Parade at 6 pm with nighttime floats.
Tue. Feb. 13 (Fat Tuesday) 10 a.m. – Gulf Shores Parade (Gulf Shores)
This is a great sized parade with 55 floats/units. About 30,000 people attend to watch the Orange Beach Mardi Gras parade.
Begins at Wintzell’s and ends at Hwy 161, Orange Beach
24131 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Balls
Tue. Feb 6. 7-10 pm – Mardi Gras Ball at Lulu’s (requires tickets – $75)
All-inclusive event 21 and over event at Lulu’s. It’s a festive evening with entertainment with Motown Classic cover band, the Tip Tops.
We hope that you will make the time to celebrate with the original state the acknowledged Mardi Gras, Alabama!
Les Bons Temps Rouler
