5 Things to Know about Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Throw me something Mister! After Christmas and New Year festivities, the celebration is far from over. It’s time to crank things up a notch and laissez les bons temps rouler! In case you don’t speak French, that means, “Let the good times roll!” It’s time for Mardi Gras y’all! All along the deep south people celebrate a tradition that has been around since the early 1700’s. Where it all started is a sensitive subject but since we’re true Alabamans, we’re going with Mobile.

Mardi Gras along the streets of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama is something you can’t miss! So, we came up with a list of the top 5 things you need to know about how it all goes down at the beach! 

 

Location, Location, Location! 

When the parade kicks off, the whole town shuts down. Everyone lines the streets trying to get the best spot to catch the most loot! Some take Mardi Gras seriously and having the perfect parade spot is important. You may want to plan your vacation accordingly and find the perfect vacation rental that is front and center to the parade routes in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! 

 

What Are They Throwing?

Doubloons, cups, beads, and MoonPies – OH MY! Grab a bag or a net and get ready to catch your goodies. Getting the revelers attention is an art form so the louder and flashier the better. Be prepared to catch beads, candy, treats and more from the extravagant floats. Don’t forget to share pictures of all your treasures. It’s kind of a big deal. 

 

Mmmm MoonPies!

Alright, it’s time to get serious and prepare your taste buds for an experience like no other. MoonPies have been a Mardi Gras tradition since the early 1900’s. The decadent combination of marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate will leave you wanting more. You may even find different flavors like strawberry, banana and mint. Everyone has a favorite. What’s your favorite flavor going to be?

 

The Royal Aspect

What if we told you the type of royalty we are talking about is actually a cake? It’s King Cake! Southern Living’s definition of the mouthwatering Mardis Gras tradition sums it up; “In two words—sensory overload. But more specifically, it’s a frosted seasonal treat that Mardi Gras partygoers eat between January 6, otherwise known as King’s Day or Twelfth Night, and Fat Tuesday”. Every King Cake keeps you on your toes, because hidden inside is a plastic baby. You didn’t read that wrong. Legend has it, the person lucky enough to find the baby will have great fortune in the upcoming year. 

 

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

The most important part of Mardi Gras is Letting the Good Times Roll! Celebrate and revel in the cheer the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach communities bring to this timeless tradition. Our Mardi Gras parades have everything you would find at any other parade with a salt air twist! Meet new friends and make new traditions while enjoying the sugar white sands of the Alabama Gulf Coast.