We’ve said before that Fairhope is the Alabama Gulf Coast’s most charming city, but one of our favorite things about this seemingly quiet town is a truly unique wonder that takes place here every summer. Let us tell you all about the Jubilee!
When a warm wind blows gently from the east during a rising tide, residents of Fairhope – this quiet and lovable town nestled on Mobile Bay – are on alert. The calm bay after a light storm during a summer’s night is one of the indicators of one of the most exciting occurrences that every local and visitor long to see: a Jubilee.
A Jubilee is a phenomenon that occurs when a specific set of weather and water conditions take place causing the oxygen levels of the water to become low enough for the sea creatures within to seek oxygen, and they make their way to the water’s edge. This seemingly strange behavior by the fish and crustaceans that inhabit the bay results in masses of animals on the shore – which is what we call a Jubilee.
Don't be fooled, look close at the sand for the flounder too.
The most sought-after animals that wash on the shores are blue crab, shrimp, flounder, and catfish, although other animals such as stingrays, croaker, eels, and more are often trapped.
Although Jubilees have been reported in other locations, ones of the magnitude that occur here in Alabama are thought to take place in only two places in the world, off the bays of Japan and on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay right here on the Alabama Coast.
When a Jubilee occurs, it can take place in a small area (on only one or two residents’ properties), or it can stretch for miles and miles. Either way, deep in the night, locals can be found grabbing their coolers, and headed to the shores to load up.
In the mid-1900s, car horns and shouts of “Jubilee!” up and down the streets of Fairhope would alert residents and visitors of the sleepy bayfront town to the delights awaiting on the shore. Now, phone trees are an integral part of the phenomenon – when the conditions are right, many locals set their ringers to loud ready to spring into action as soon as they receive that much-awaited call, knowing that they only have until sunrise to get all they can from the bounty awaiting them on the shores. By morning’s light, the remaining fish, shrimp, and crab either perish or begin to make their way back to the now oxygen-rich water.
But that’s not when it stops. Some would argue that’s when the best part happens: gumbo rouxs are started, shrimp pots are prepped, the Old Bay is purchased, and the fileting knives are sharpened in preparation for a good, old-fashioned fish fry or Low Country Boil. Sometimes there’s so much flounder, shrimp, and crab that it has to be frozen to be enjoyed throughout the rest of the summer. We put up our fresh seafood bounty like we do our cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden. The eating is always good on the Alabama Gulf Coast, but dining after a Jubilee, is both special and plentiful.
Some say the biggest ones happen in August. Some swear a full moon helps. Some know Grandmas who can predict one better than any trained meteorologist. No matter what, the chances are low of seeing a Jubilee, and even many locals have only seen one or two in a lifetime. But the lore of this truly unique phenomenon is just more proof of how charming Fairhope truly is.
Insider’s Tip: The Fairhope Museum of History is a great place to start your day in Fairhope! The museum features various displays detailing Fairhope’s extraordinary history, and also a permanent exhibit on the Jubilee phenomenon.
Looking for tips on shopping, dining, and entertaining your little ones during your day trip to Fairhope, check out our article A Day in Fairhope: Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast’s Most Charming City. For even more information about visiting this must-see city, head to FairhopeAL.gov.