Mardi Gras 2025 Kicks Off in Mobile with Enthusiastic Crowds
Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebrations are officially underway, and the excitement was undeniable as the first parade of the season rolled through downtown on Friday night. The Conde Cavaliers set the tone for a lively season, drawing large crowds eager to catch beads, moon pies, and the thrill of Carnival.
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This year’s parade theme, “You Give Love a Bad Name,” was a playful nod to Valentine’s Day. Floats creatively embraced the theme with musical inspirations such as Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel,” Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River,” and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” Even classic cartoon character Pepe Le Pew made an appearance, adding a humorous touch to the mix.
Music, Tradition, and the Energy of the Crowd
No Mardi Gras parade is complete without music, and the "boom boom" certainly delivered. Marching bands filled the air with rhythmic beats, including a standout performance by the University of South Alabama’s Jaguar Marching Band. Adding to the spectacle was the ever-popular Chico, the mohawked drummer, whose energy is a staple of Mobile’s Mardi Gras festivities.
With mild temperatures setting the stage for a perfect night, downtown streets were packed, especially along Conti, Royal, and Conception Streets. Many parade-goers arrived early to claim prime spots, creating a sea of excited onlookers four and five rows deep.
The Not-So-Fun Part: Parking Woes and Towing
As with any major event, parking was a challenge for some. Despite clearly marked no-parking zones, many drivers found themselves caught off guard as tow trucks and police began clearing the streets promptly at 4:30 p.m. The operation moved swiftly, with officers issuing tickets and loading vehicles onto flatbeds.
More Parades and Festivities Ahead
The party is just getting started! Saturday’s lineup included two afternoon parades—the Bayport Parading Society and the Mystic DJ Riders—followed by the Pharaohs Mystic Society and the Conde Explorers later in the evening.
After a brief pause, the action picks up again on Thursday, February 20, when the Order of Polka Dots takes center stage. From that point on, nearly daily parades will fill the streets, building excitement all the way to Fat Tuesday on March 4.
For locals and visitors alike, Mobile’s Mardi Gras promises a season of tradition, music, and unforgettable moments. And as the saying goes, Laissez les bons temps rouler! Or, as Mobile prefers to put it, “The lid has come off!”
