Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
We on the Coast take pride in the tradition that Mardi Gras was first brought to the United States by a man named Joe Cain in the late 1800s. Not only is he credited with rekindling the spirit of Mardi Gras in our Port City, but he did it with style by dressing up as fictional Cherokee Indian Chief Slacabamorinoco and making as much noise as possible, clanging through the city’s streets while it was Union-occupied territory during the Civil War. Ever since then, the Gulf Coast has been celebrating Mardi Gras with parades, balls, and family-friendly merriment!
Parades
One of the best ways to celebrate the Mardi Gras season is to watch a parade. Marching bands play while beads, moonpies, and trinkets fly through the air as colorful floats pass by.
Mystical Order of Mirams Parade
February 9, 2018
Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade
February 10, 2018
The Wharf Kids & Pets Parade
Date TBA
The Wharf Main Street Mardi Gras Float Parade
Date TBA
Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
February 13, 2018
Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
February 13, 2018
For a full list of Mardi Gras parade schedules in Mobile, visit TheMobileMask.com.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Mardi Gras balls are generally reserved for the masked krewe members and their ticketed guests, but in true Lucy Buffett-style, LuLu’s in Gulf Shores does things their own way. The Birds of Paradise Mardi Gras Ball presented by Krewe De Lu Roux is a ball which takes place on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. Food and drinks are available in the form of a buffet & open bar (wine, beer, and well drinks) and the Tip Tops will provide the live music for the evening. Don your finest apparel (ok, maybe not your finest…the official attire is “Island Elegance”), and be sure to get your tickets for the celebration!
King Cakes
That utterly irresistible, sweet cream cheese filled cinnamon pastry ring has something almost sinful about it. It shows up on grocery store shelves, at Mardi Gras gatherings, and choosing the slice that contains that ever-elusive plastic baby means that you’re the one who has to bring another King Cake to the next get-together. There are plenty of options for satisfying your sweet tooth.
This family-owned supermarket chain is known for its gourmet cinnamon king cakes. With over 20 filling options, you’re sure to find whatever flavor your heart desires. As a matter-of-fact, they even allow you to choose two flavors. Apple cream cheese and pecan? Yes, please!
Pssst…if you can’t wait until Mardi Gras to get yours, they offer a Christmas version in December. They ship, too!
In years past, Hope’s Cheesecake We have Paul's Pastry's King Cakes featuring flavors like cream cheese, berry, pecan praline, chocolate Bavarian, and cinnamon. They only offer a limited amount, so be sure to get yours early in the season!
Moonpies
With humble vanilla and chocolate beginnings, the Moonpie industry is constantly upping their game. It started years ago with the inception of the Banana moonpie, but as the culinary bar has risen, so has the moonpie been elevated. Coconut, peanut butter, and mint came along. The powers-that-be have even surprises us with salted caramel. That’s right, salted caramel moonpies have made their way into our lives and stolen our hearts. Think I’m exaggerating? That’s just because you haven’t tried one yet. Grab a box of the flavor of your choice off the shelves of the local grocery stores or catch one at a parade!
Celebrating Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a family-friendly event that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime! We can’t wait to see you here to laissez le bon temps rouler!