MOBILE, Alabama—Residents of Mobile love a good party, and Mardi Gras is the granddaddy of them all. While New Orleans is better known, the Carnival season with Mardi Gras actually had its roots here more than 300 years ago. It takes place this year from Feb. 15 to March 5.
The celebratory spirit builds all year long, and as the event gets closer, the sales of festive foods like beignets and king cakes skyrocket among visitors. This year, I was just one of the thousands who lined the streets in anticipation of the first parade, which started at dusk. The excitement was at a fever pitch as all of us waited for that glimpse of the first float rolling along Royal Street. As it passed, beaded necklaces and even Moon Pies (wrapped, thankfully) flew in all directions in a kaleidoscope of light, color, and sound. Let the fun begin!
