As I’m sure we’re all aware by now, Mardi Gras is in full swing for Mobile and the rest of the Gulf Coast. This year marks the second-annual Mobile Porch Parade, affectionately referred to as Yardi Gras. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Mobile’s newest Mardi Gras tradition.

Yardi Gras origins

The Mardi Gras season is a time for tradition down here in Mobile. The colors, sweets and parades all come from years and years of revamping previous celebrations and making them even more marvelous. Sometimes, however, we add a new tradition into the fold. Such was the case last year when COVID-19 halted our usual Mardi Gras revelry and a new tradition was born: The Mobile Porch Parade or Yardi Gras.

Community members Suzanne Sarver, (founder & designer) Stacy Wellborn (spokesperson & media liaison) and Courtney Harris (designer) organized this event last year to help cope with the cancellation of the traditional Mobile Mardi Gras experience. They also wanted to highlight local businesses and other artists who rely on Mardi Gras revenue to keep things rolling.

The rest is history! Yardi Gras last year was a huge success, with over 400 homes decorated around the Mobile area. It was so successful, in fact, that Yardi Gras now has an official book to commemorate its first year. Now in its second year, Yardi Gras is officially up and running with over 150 stops on the map.

Yardi Gras 2022

While not as big as the original celebration, the Mobile Porch parade is quite sizeable this year. Over 150 gorgeous homes and fun local businesses are registered, each decked out in the official Mardi Gras colors: purple, gold and green.

The official website includes a map with every registered porch for you to design your own “parade route” to see every stop. There’s even a playlist for you to listen to as you drive around checking out the awesome porches along the parade route!

Yardi Gras sneak-peek

Ready to see the Mobile Porch Parade yourself? Visit the official website for the map & playlist and get out there to see all the magic for yourself. Make sure to tag any pictures you may take with #MobilePorchParade

Looking for more about this year’s Mardi Gras? We’ve got you covered:

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