General madness overtakes Mobile annually in the months, weeks and days preceding
Ash Wednesday as chants of "Moon Pie! Moon Pie!" and "Throw me something
Mister!" fills the air in historic Mobile. The rules governing civilized behavior are
temporarily suspended. Why? Because it's Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama....."The
Mother of Mystics!"

New Orleans may have the better known celebration, but Mobile's was the first and
arguably the best. Legend tells us that Mobile's earliest settlers apparently couldn't wait
to get started. Mobile's first Mardi Gras celebration dates back to 1703, only one year
after the city's founding. However, historians disagree on who was actually responsible
for organizing the celebration. Originally called Boeuf Gras (Fatted Ox), the celebration
was one of feasting and revelry on the day preceding Ash Wednesday and the Lenten
season which leads to Easter. The celebration, now called Fat Tuesday or
Mardi Gras Day.

It was in 1857 that the Mobile members of Cowbellian de Rakin Society, formed in 1830
traveled to New Orleans and assisted with the formation of the Crewe of Comus,
considered by some to be New Orleans' most prestigious Mardi Gras society.  

Dozens of mystic societies build colorful Mardi Gras floats and parade through
downtown Mobile during the weeks preceding Mardi Gras Day. Masked society
members throw doubloons, candies, beads and moon pies to excited crowds that scamper
about for the Mardi Gras memorabilia. And Mobile's celebration is good, safe fun the
whole family can enjoy. Enjoy Mardi Gras where it all began, in Mobile,
Mother of Mystics."
MOONPIE! MOONPIE!

The moonpie is one of Mardi Gras
most coveted treats. But, did you
know that the moonpie is unique
to Mobile? While thrown in other
celebrations around the Gulf
Coast, you won't find one of these
treats in New Orleans!
ABOUT JOE CAIN
Joe Cain was a native
Mobilian and former
Confederate soldier living
in Mobile following the
Civil War. He is credited
with reviving the spirit of
Mardi Gras in the city of
Mobile during the period
of Reconstruction and
Union occupation.
History of Mobile Mardi Gras