Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
9 Mardi Gras parades in Alabama you won’t want to miss
Reading time: 4 minutes
It’s Mardi Gras season y’all and you won’t want to miss out on the chance to celebrate with huge festivals, tasty Lousiana favorites and great entertainment.
Mardi Gras is the celebration that marks the end of the pre-Lenten season. This tradition originated back in the Middle Ages when European Christians often feasted before Lent, hence the huge meals.
Do Mardi Gras the right way this year with 13 awesome parades you have to see for yourself.
1. Mobile: Mardi Gras parades
No one does Mardi Gras quite like the city of Mobile. They host a variety of different parades celebrating various aspects of Mardi Gras.
In Mobile, they’ve got something for everyone. If you’re looking for a bunch of Mardi Gras florals or if you’re a foodie like me and want to explore the distinguished flavors of Louisiana, Mobile has got ya covered.
2. Orange Beach: Mystics of Pleasure Parade
If you’re a fan of anything motorcycle-related, this one’s for you!
The Mystics of Pleasure Parade is a nighttime parade that has fun Harley Davidson bikers and some great Mardi-Gras-themed floats.
- When: Saturday, March 1 | Starts at 6PM
- More info
3. Gulf Shores: Mardi Gras Parade
The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras celebration dates all the way back to 1978.
A group of locals formed the Pleasure Island Players and began celebrating Mardi Gras in the beautiful popular tourist destination, Gulf Shores. This long-time celebrated parade features locals and community partners gathering to give Gulf Shores a good time for Mardi Gras.
4. Wetumpka: Order of Cimarrón
Check out one of Wetumpka’s biggest celebrations: the Order of Cimarrón festival.
This year’s theme is “The Wizarding World of Wetumpka” and aims to celebrate with vibrant floats, live music, delicious food and family-friendly fun.
- When: Saturday, March 1 | Starts at 1PM
- Location: 212 S Main St, Wetumpka, AL 36092
- More info
5. Birmingham: Mardi Gras in The Magic City with City Walk Bham
City Walk is teaming up with Bone Yard of Brass, Magic City Disco and the Birmingham Squadron to give Birmingham an unforgettable night of Mardi Gras fun. You can expect to see a colorful gulf cart parade, food trucks and cool costume contest.
Make sure to wear your best Mardi Gras attire!
- When: Sunday, March 2 | Starts at 1PM
- Location: 2200 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- More info
6. Daphne: Apollo’s Mystic Ladies
This year marks the 25th anniversary and will be celebrated with a “Silver Jubilee” inspired parade. Drop in for friendship, fellowship and revelry.
- When: Friday, February 21 | Starts at 6:45PM
- Location: 2603 US-98, Daphne, AL 36526
- More info
7. Fairhope: Maids of Jubilee Parade in Fairhope
The Maids of Jubilee go way back to 1984 when the first female Mardi Gras organization the on the Eastern Shore. This female-led parade celebrates inspirational sisterhood.
- When: Friday, February 28 | Starts at 6PM
- Location: 161 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532
- More info
8. Huntsville: Mardi Gras Grand Parade in Downtown
The 10th Annual Mardi Gras Grand Parade in Huntsville is a free family-friendly event that hosts special giveaways, live music and a festive-filled night.
- When: Saturday, March 1 |Starts at 3:30PM
- Location: Downtown Huntsville
- More info
9. Orange Beach: LuLu’s Mardi Gras Celebration and Boat Parade
LuLu’s Annual Fat Tuesday and anniversary will feature live music, birthday cake at noon and an awesome boat parade showing off all those beautifully decorated vessels!
- When: Tuesday, March 4 | Starts at 10AM
- Location: 200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- More info
How will you be spending your Mardi Gras in Alabama? Let us know by tagging us @thebamabuzz.
