We all agree that the very first Mardi Gras celebration was held in Mobile, Alabama long before New Orleans had even been founded. The tradition lives on stronger than ever. And so does the showering of beads, trinkets and MoonPies from gracefully adorned parade floats upon spectators along each inch of Mardi Gras parade routes.
You probably understand the throwing of beads, but what about that infamous MoonPie? Well, the first connection with the Southern-born Mardi Gras parade celebration is that the MoonPie is a Southern-born tradition. Get the connection? The Chattanooga Bakery began making MoonPies in 1917 as a portable, lunch-pail snack for the coal miners. But this Southern-born connection wasn’t enough of a reason for MoonPies to become a Mardi Gras institution.
It was Mobile that really connected the dots. If you can remember that far back, Cracker Jack had become the food-throw of choice for Mardi Gras Parades. But it wasn't the ideal choice. The hard Cracker Jack boxes, with sharp corners, were too likely to become dangerous projectiles as parade krewes launched them into the crowds. It was for this reason that In 1972 Mobile banned tossing Cracker Jack boxes from Mardi Gras floats. The obvious substitution . . . . the Southern-bred MoonPie of course. That’s why today, even in New Orleans, Mardi Gras parade krewes stock up on MoonPies to please their crowds.
More Mobile MoonPie Madness
The only thing wrong with the carnival season is that it ends on Fat Tuesday. But in Mobile, MoonPie Mania never ends. When the parades are over you always have the 6,000 sq.ft., MoonPie General Store on Saint Francis Street in Mobile, Alabama to grab MoonPies, merchandise and unique gifts. You can even personalize your very own Box of MoonPies with photos, greetings, or anything you want. You won't believe today's wonderful world of MoonPies. Check it out!