Mardi Gras in Mobile is Fun for the Whole Family

All one has to do is travel to the Southern part of the United States at the right time of year to experience these enduring traditions for oneself. Every year beginning with the annual Camellia Ball held Thanksgiving evening, the Queen of Mardi Gras is chosen from Mobile's shining debutantes. After the queen has been selected, her King is chosen and so are the members of the court. From pages to knights and Ladies in Waiting, in the south for one glorious season, royalty is alive and well. Traditionally the King and Queen of Mardi Gras reign over the magic of Mardi Gras. In addition, for Mobile this means a street party that lasts for about two weeks. From the day after Mardi Gras ends one year, planning begins immediately for next year's festivities. For the citizens of Mobile there really are only two seasons, B.C. and D.C., which of course stand for Before Carnival and During Carnival.

There are several parading societies in Mobile, Al and while New Orleans may be known for a bigger and wilder celebration, Mobile is where it all started. Since 1703, Mobile has been celebrating Mardi Gras and that was 15 years before New Orleans was founded. In addition, except for that unfortunate War of Northern Aggression (as it is called by some southerners) and the two World Wars, nothing comes between the people of Mobile and their Mardi Gras celebrations. Mardi Gras day was actually declared a holiday by the Alabama Legislature for the city of Mobile and most of the town shuts down to celebrate the event.

Mobile has another unique tradition not shared by New Orleans - Joe Cain day. Joseph Stillwell Cain, jr is credited with bringing back the Mardi Gras tradition after the Civil War. In 1866, Mobile and the rest of the south was forced to endure the occupation of Union soldiers, partly as a snub to them and partly to bring back some form of gaiety after the grimness of war, Joe Cain and a few of his cronies decided to dress up as Indians and parade through the streets. The costume Joe Cain had chosen was that of the Chickasaw Indian Chief, Slacabamorinico. This was a deliberate insult to the occupying Union troops because Slacamorinico had never been defeated in battle. Joined by Confederate veterans, the impromptu parade of "borrowed" coal wagons were the beginnings of what became the Order of Myths, Mobile's longest parading society.

Today, Joe Cain is remembered with his own day. The Sunday before Fat Tuesday is officially known as Joe Cain day in Mobile, Al. It is complete with its own parade and procession of "Cain's Merry Widows", mysterious women, heavily veiled and cloaked in black mourning attire. Before the parade, the widows proceed to Government Street cemetery where Joe Cain is interred, to pay their respects to their dearly depart husband. It is rumored that each was married to Mr. Cain and arguments abound as to which wife was his favorite. The parade held in his honor is also unique. It is known as the "people's parade" as it is not sponsored by any particular organization rather everyday citizens simply sign up and march in the parade.

While New Orleans Mardi Gras is a much wilder event, Mobile still holds the honor of being the first to celebrate the holiday in the United States. In addition, Mardi Gras in Mobile is definitely a family event. No need to leave the children at home when attending Mardi Gras festivities in Mobile, you can feel safe bringing the entire family along for the fun. In fact, the Saturday before Fat Tuesday has long been dedicated to the children of the city. The Floral Parade is held that Saturday and the Juvenile Court is presented and rides in the parade. There are rides and face painting and balloons set up just for children on this day. Many families pack lunches and enjoy sitting in Bienville Square watching all the events unfold around them. With the temperate climate, family friendly atmosphere and plenty to see and do during the Mardi Gras season, Mobile is the perfect place to come for that mid winter trip for fun and relaxation with the whole family.






Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at Toomey's Mardi Gras. He writes about mardi gras masks and other industry specific topics.