Mardi Gras Family Fun
There are many fun things associated with Mardi Gras as we know it today. In both Mobile and New Orleans, parades appear almost every night, giving the streets of both cities a fantastic glow. From the pitches you catch to the people you meet, each season has surprises galore.
The festival began in Mobile in 1703 and was soon also celebrated in the then French city of New Orleans. Today, almost every town on the Gulf Coast has some kind of tradition. For some, the most important choice before enjoying the festivities is really how big a crowd you’d like to join. All the parades draw crowds, some are larger than others. If it’s an intense party with lots of craziness (of all kinds) and never knowing what’s going to happen next, then New Orleans may be the way to go. Even though the party started in Mobile, New Orleans definitely takes the cake for the top of the party. Many families living in New Orleans are not qualified to bring children of all ages to join in the fun, however, if this is your first trip to Mardi Gras and you are bringing young children, Mobile, Gulfport or Pensacola may be better options. for a first visit.
Mobile is absolutely as much fun as New Orleans, the difference is only in the craziness experienced here. As the original home of Mardi Gras, this city is the ideal place to experience an authentic parade, and the crowds are a bit smaller, so most won’t feel as overwhelmed if they don’t know what to expect.
On the quieter side of things, there are parades in both Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island. While it’s still a great deal of fun, the crowds are definitely smaller and much more tame. These are great options if you are dealing with young children. Tosses are great on smaller parades and there isn’t the same concern that little ones might get stepped on or pushed down. Of course, important bathroom breaks are also much easier to navigate at smaller events. In both Mobile and New Orleans, lines can be incredibly long, portable toilets aren’t clean, and toilet paper isn’t existent.
As an event, anyone traveling to the Gulf Coast to experience Mardi Gras has plenty to choose from today. However, if you’re considering coming for the mid-winter holiday, it can’t be stressed how important reservations are. The closer you get, the less likely there are rooms (any room). Top tip if you decide to take a last minute trip to the gulf coast around Mardi Gras time try hotels and motels in outlying areas or if you are lucky enough to have family down south you can always contact them for a stay at the sofa. Mardi Gras is a great adventure and everyone should experience it at least once.