Mardi Gras

Above is the Mardi Gras court from 1900 in Mobile, Alabama.  As you know, the tradition of Mardi Gras in America began in Mobile.  Well in 1703, when the tradition began, Mobile was actually French Louisiana, but we won't quibble.

Here is a cavalcade of vintage shots from some of Mobile's finest moments. Enjoy.

 1907 King and Queen of Mardi Gras

A 1919 postcard of the festivities.

Marching in the 1920's

Way to much revelry!

Mardi Gras court, no date.

Mardi Gras ball

Zippy Mardi Gras chapeaus

On the parade route, no date

Mobile Mardi Gras, Bienville Square

Mardi Gras

 

Mardi Gras began in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama.  And you thought it was New Orleans.  It took NOLA a full seven years before they got on the bandwagon, or krewe float.

Mardi Gras is a very Southern event.  This is what happens.  Shove Tuesday, a day of confession before Lent, turns into Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of a forty days liturgical period of prayer and fasting or abstinence.  So basically, it is a one second event, when Tuesday ticks into Wednesday.

This year Mardi Gras is today, 4 March.  The party started "officially" on 15 February when the first parade rolled out.  That is eighteen days.  For eighteen days, Southerner's party for that one second when Tuesday becomes Wednesday. 

That's what I like about the South.

Give us an event that lasts a few seconds or a few minutes and we can create a three week celebration filled with drinking, eating and...

zippy costumes.

The nickname "Fat Tuesday" grew out the desire to eat rich foods before the Lenten fast.

So eat, drink, and be merry, your second is ticking.