Mobile's Mardi Gras

Jan 18th, 2002

What comes to mind when thinking of Mardi Gras? Is it the brilliantly colored floats…the rainbow of beads… the tasty moon pies… the traditional grand balls… the festive music… the proud high school marching bands? Whatever one believes to be the true essence of Mardi Gras it can be experienced for two weeks out of the year in February. During Mardi Gras one can witness the cultural traditions that Mobile has inherited from its rich cultural background.

The City of Mobile will jumpstart its Mardi Gras on February 12, 2002. This city has the honor of claiming the oldest Mardi Gras in North America. Yes, even older than New Orleans. Mardi Gras is a major pre-Lenten holiday, which is celebrated in parts of Europe and South America. This traditional celebration dates back to 1703 when Mobile, a then French Colony, observed North America’s first Mardi Gras. It was in 1703 that the Cowbellion de Rakin Society took to the street with nontraditional Mardi Gras instruments. The first parade had men armed with rakes, hoes and cowbells that were taken from a nearby hardware store.

After the end of the Civil War, the city needed to lift the spirits of its people and help them with their disillusionment of hopelessness. It was in 1866 that Joseph Stillwell Cain, a market clerk, set out with the goal of raising the spirits of the city. He decorated a coal wagon and held a one-float parade through the town. That is why today we have Fat Tuesday and why Mardi Gras was reborn in 1886.

Why should we only enjoy the cultural experiences that Mardi Gras has offered in Mobile? Well, the answer is, you do not any longer. The essence of Mardi Gras can be captured all year around in Mobile. One of Mobile’s greatest treasures is the Oakleigh Period House and Historic Complex. Located within the three and half acres of Oakleigh, are the official antebellum period house museum, the Cox-Deasy House, and the Mardi Gras Cottage Museum. At the Mardi Gras Cottage museum visitors and Mobilians alike can enjoy one of the most favored times of the year that Mobile has to offer.

At the Mardi Gras Cottage there is a little bit of everything to see. Visitors to the Mardi Gras Cottage Museum will see historic photographs that were taken at the Mardi Gras courts of yesteryear. While viewing the costumes, the detail and workmanship that goes into these elegant and luxurious gowns that have been worn by past Mardi Gras Royalty is truly something to remember. Visitors can come to learn the history and increase their understanding of Mardi Gras in Mobile.

Mardi Gras in Mobile has many different feelings and memories for all those that visit and participate. Come and enjoy the Spirit of Mardi Gras. Whatever one believes to be the true essence of Mardi Gras it all can be experienced in the city of Mobile.