‘The Jubilee City’: Learn the history behind Daphne’s unique nickname

There are very few places in the world where the Jubilees occur — one of which is Tokyo Bay in Japan, while Alabama’s own, Mobile Bay, remains the other.

A “Jubilee” is a rare, natural phenomenon where large numbers of marine life swim from the depths of the bay to shallower waters along a shoreline. 

In Daphne, commonly known as “The Jubilee City,” this phenomenon brings blue crabs, shrimp + fish to the Eastern Shore — into the readied hands, and ice chests, of the city’s locals. 

Keep reading to learn more about Daphne!

Daphne’s history

Records show that Daphne was discovered by Spanish explorers around 1557. Prior to its discovery by the Spanish, it was inhabited by the Tensaw, Alabama, Choctaw, Creek + Seminole Native American tribes. 

Here’s a brief timeline of the city’s history:

• 1763: The Daphne community was known as “The Village”
• 1874: Daphne was officially established with a Post Office on April 9
• Early 1900’s: Several Italian families settled in the city, bringing with them expertise in agriculture, food + wine 
• 1927: Daphne was incorporated on July 8 with a population of about 500 people

The Jubilee Festival of Arts

In honor of the city’s Jubilees, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce holds an annual Jubilee Festival. The festival takes place along the streets of Olde Towne Daphne. This year will be the 37th annual festival for the city.

The festival as a whole includes:

• Local cuisine
• Fresh produce + canned jellies
• The work of over 140 local + regional artists
• Live music on entertainment stage
• Art contest prizes
• High school art exhibitions
• Games
• Grill demonstrations
• Appearances by the Dogwood Trail Maids
• Tailgating

Admission to the festival is entirely free. Across from the Daphne City Hall, in Centennial Park, “Kids Art in the Park” takes place — a concept that was established in 1999 as a way to promote art + crafts to children. 

“Kids Art in the Park” features:

• Fence painting
• Hand fan creation
• Beaded jewelry making
• Fish printmaking
• Wooden structure building
• Face painting
• Rock painting
• Freeform art

• When: October 18, 2025, from 10AM to 5PM
• Where: Lott Park, 2000 Main St., Daphne 36526
• Admission: Free
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

Artist applications for this year will go live at the beginning of April + can be found on their Facebook.

The Gator Boardwalk

Running over D’Olive Creek in Daphne is the Gator Boardwalk, a half-mile, wheel-chair accessible boardwalk + butterfly garden. This attraction is a great spot to observe wildlife like the local alligators (as long as you don’t feed them).

• Where: Entrance on N. Main St. (Near Exxon Station) Daphne, AL 36526
• Hours: Dawn to dusk

The Jubilee Square Shopping Center

The Jubilee Square is Daphne’s most popular shopping center, featuring a combination of chain stores + restaurants as well as locally-owned businesses. The center is located at 6850 US-90, Daphne, AL 36526.

Here are some businesses to be found in the center:

• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Brown Eyed Girl Boutique
• Tj Maxx
• Ulta
• Hobby Lobby
• Big Potato Company
• AMC Classic Theatre
• The Fresh Market

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