There are many fun things associated with Mardi Gras, as we know it today. Both in Mobile and New Orleans, the parades appear almost every night, giving the streets in both cities a fanciful glow. From the throws you catch to the people, you meet, every Mardi Gras season holds surprises galore.
The holiday began in Mobile in 1703 and soon was also celebrated in the then French held city of New Orleans. Today just about every town up and down the Gulf Coast has some type of Mardi Gras tradition. For some the biggest choice to make before enjoying the festivities is really how big of a crowd are you interested in joining. All Mardi Gras parades draw crowds, some are just bigger than others. If it is intense partying with lots of craziness (of all kinds) and just never knowing what will happen next then New Orleans may be the choice. All though the party started in Mobile, New Orleans definitely takes the cake for over the top partying. Many families who live in New Orleans have no qualms at all about bringing kids of all ages down to enjoy the fun, however if it’s your first trip to Mardi Gras and you are bringing small children, then Mobile, Gulfport or Pensacola may be better choices for a first visit.
Mobile is absolutely as much fun as New Orleans, the difference is only in the wildness experienced here. Because it is the original home of Mardi Gras, this city is the place to go experience an authentic Mardi Gras and the crowds are a little smaller so most won’t feel quite so overwhelmed if they don’t quite know what to expect.
On the tamer side of things, there are Mardi Gras parades at both Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island. While still a tremendous amount of fun, the crowds are definitely smaller and much tamer. These are excellent choices if small children are involved. The throws are great at the smaller parades and there is not the same worry that little ones may be stepped on or pushed down. Of course, the all-important potty breaks are much easier to navigate at the smaller events as well. Both in Mobile and New Orleans, lines can be incredibly long, the port-a-potties less than clean and toilet paper nonexistent.
As an event, anyone traveling to the Gulf Coast to experience Mardi Gras has much to choose from today. However if you are considering coming down for the mid winter festivity, it cannot be stressed how important reservations are. The closer it gets the less likely rooms (any rooms) are to be had. An important tip if you decide on a last minute trip to the Gulf Coast at Mardi Gras time, try hotels and motels in outlying areas or if you are lucky enough to have relatives down south then you can always hit them up for a stay on the sofa. Mardi Gras is a grand adventure and everyone should experience it at least once.
