History & culture
Mobile Mardi Gras History
A brief introduction to the traditions behind Mobile's Carnival celebrations.
Mobile is widely known as the birthplace of American Mardi Gras. The city's Carnival story is often traced to its early French colonial roots and the well-known 1703 tradition, but like much of Carnival, the story includes both history and myth.
The organized mystic society culture, balls, symbolism, and traditions that shaped modern Mobile Mardi Gras developed most clearly in the 1830s and 1840s. Today, Mobile Mardi Gras continues through parades, balls, mystic societies, music, costumes, throws, and community celebrations.
Explore the Mobile Carnival Museum
Discover Carnival costumes, artifacts, and the traditions behind the celebrations.