Let’s Celebrate: Mardi Gras 2008
Okay, so you know about the little (ahem) celebration that New Orleans puts on for Mardi Gras, but did you know that almost everywhere along the Gulf Coast offers some sort of Mardi Gras festivity? You never know, there might be one close to you.
Alabama
What came first – New Orleans’ Mardi Gras or Mobile’s? This is one of those questions that can be debated for hours. Mobile says it celebrated the first one in 1703. Now, their celebration also has the distinction of being a family-friendly affair. As for whose celebration came first – I suggestion to stay out of the debate and enjoy the good time. Before you partake in the party, be sure to stop by and explore the Mobile Carnival Museum. Don’t overlook the parades taking place along the Eastern Shore in Orange Beach, Daphne and Dauphin Island.
Florida
Another family-friendly Mardi Gras venue is Pensacola, Fla. Just like its next-door neighbor to the west, Krewes on the floats throw beads, doubloons, cups, candies, and that old southern favorite – Moon Pies (how a Chattanooga treat ended up in a Mardi Gras celebration is a mystery).
Louisiana
The state knows how to put on a party and I am not just talking about New Orleans. Come Mardi Gras time, the whole “boot” is rocking. Here’s a sampling of what’s happening in the state
So, you all ready know about greater New Orleans’ celebration, but there are a number of cities that has something to offer during this time as well.
A popular celebration destination is Houma, about an hour west of New Orleans. The city has parades and balls during this time.
For sanity’s sake, or because this is under Louisiana’s heading, let’s say New Orleans is the oldest Mardi Gras celebration. Okay – got that so far? New Roads (about 30 miles northwest of Baton Rouge) celebrates the second oldest Mardi Gras in the state.
While New Roads lays claim to be the second oldest Mardi Gras in the state, Lafayette has the title of being the second largest celebration.
Louisiana’s Cajuns have their own Mardi Gras celebration, called La Courir du Mardi Gras. This is celebrated in the 22 parishes that make up Acadiana, or Cajun Country.
Mississippi
Biloxi was the first city to celebrate Mardi Gras until 1929 when other nearby cities joined in. Today, the festivities can be enjoyed along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Texas
Joining in the Mardi Gras season is Port Arthur and Galveston. Galveston not only hosts the largest and most elaborate celebration in the state, but it also the oldest in the state as well. Port Arthur’s celebration came on the scene in 1997 and has been enjoyed by many ever since.
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