The sunny afternoon temperatures in the high 60’s led to a slightly chilly, but crystal clear night, perfect for The Knights of Ecor Rouge to claim the streets for their popular 2016 Mardi Gras parade.
“The Force Unleashed” was this year’s theme, pleasing all the Star Wars fans.
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The birthplace of American Mardi Gras, Mobile, Alabama, first celebrated the holiday in 1703, fifteen years before New Orleans was even founded!
Since we’re so close to Mobile, the parades have spilled over into Baldwin County as well.
As best I can count, there are 48 parades between Mobile and Baldwin Counties, with three of those in Fairhope, one in Point Clear and several in Daphne and Orange Beach.
More parades will follow this next weekend, and schools will be dismissed next Monday and Tuesday on Lundi Gras and Fat Tuesday.
My college guy came home and brought two friends who had never experienced Mardi Gras. The mother of one of the friends was concerned it would be” too wild,” but my son explained that Fairhope’s Mardi Gras is usually “G” rated. Well, “PG” at the most. People get very, very thirsty riding on the floats.
But if you cut your mask off just right, you can refresh yourself with ease.
The parades are followed by a formal ball which is always white tail, or “costume de rigueur.” Which means if you aren’t in a Mardi Gras Costume, the men must wear white tie and tails, and the ladies must wear floor length dresses. Most specify the dresses may not show any midriffs. We have our standards around here, you know.
Several local marching bands always add to the fun.
The giant R2-D2 was my son’s favorite toy as a child. I’m sure he thought this made his trip home worthwhile.
Beads, stuffed animals, frisbees, balls, and candy rained down from each float into the eager hands of the happy crowd.
And we’ll do it all again next weekend!
Here’s the link to the local parade schedule from the Mobile Mask.
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I’ll share this story over at Coastal Charm!