As Christmas ends, the wait for Mardi Gras starts. Known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is a day that calls for grand feasts and celebrations. From the twelfth night to the day before Lent, it marks the beginning of 40 days of sacrifice and reflection.
Every year, Mardi Gras falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, 47 days before Easter. This year, the date for Mardi Gras is March 4th, 2025. The history of Mardi Gras goes back to Greece and then to Rome, France, and other parts of the world. Slowly, this festivity became an integral part of US culture, especially in three major cities: New Orleans, Mobile, and Pensacola. Let us learn more about the celebrations in these three US cities, understanding where they are celebrated best.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA
The first Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans dates back to the early 18th century. As New Orleans has roots linked with France, the city celebrated Fat Tuesday as Mardi Gras with long weeks of carnival, celebrations, and feats. It typically starts from January 6th till Fat Tuesday. The city turns into a fun destination where there is a parade, community celebrations, and more scheduled for the day. The city is known for its largest and the grandest celebrations of Mardi Gras with the famous Chewbacchus sci-fi foot parade, Knights of Babylon with classic flambeaux lighting, hand-decorated coconut throws, krewe parades, and more.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is more traditional, with music, art, and fancy, colorful costumes. One can also groove to the sounds of jazz, blues, and brass bands. This traditional king cake, which is a small plastic baby, is enjoyed. It is believed that the person who finds the plastic baby in their slice is believed to have good luck. Plus, he gets to host the next party.
Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama
Mobile Alabama, is the first city in the USA to celebrate Mardi Gras. It was in 1703 when the city first celebrated Mardi Gras after the arrival of Joe Cain, the city clerk. This historic celebration starts two and a half weeks after Shrove Tuesday, hosting more than 40 parades with themed floats, marching bands, and masked riders in the whole Mardi Gras season. The Krewes usually host the parade and the balls for the public from November till February.
Mardi Gras celebrations in Alabama narrate the history of this festivity, highlighting its birthplace and other traditions via galleries, video presentations, etc. The street parties, live music bands, and parades are the main highlights of the weeks-long celebration. The MoonPies are a unique custom that makes Mardi Gras in Mobile distinct. The city also celebrates Lundi Gras, a day before Mardi Gras, which is just a fun day to prepare for the festivities.
Mardi Gras in Pensacola, Florida
From the first Saturday of January, Mardi Gras celebrations start in Pensacola, Florida. The city brings people from the Gulf and the rest of the country together to participate in this traditional celebration. What sets Pensacola apart from New Orleans and Mobile is the family-friendly customs and traditions. The Krewe of Lafitte Night Parade, Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade, and Krewe of Wrecks Parade are famous events to witness on the streets.
The celebration starts in January and continues throughout February and early March, concluding with the Fat Tuesday Celebration in the Seville Quarter. Beads and moon pies are traditional food, along with gumbo, red beans and rice, and king cake.
Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras this Year?
Each city has its charm and unique offerings, making any choice great for celebrating this festive season. New Orleans, Mobile, or Pensacola: the choice is yours. New Orleans is the perfect place if you are into grand parades, street parties, musical nights in the French Quarter, and themed krewes. Mobile, the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the US, is about a laid-back celebration with parades, Joe Cain Day, and MoonPies. For more of a family-friendly festival, you can visit Pensacola in Florida. The beachside beauty and close-knit community celebration make Pensacola Mardi Gras different.
Explore Related Stories
