Alabama’s congressional delegation is taking Mardi Gras bragging rights straight to Washington.
Lawmakers from across the state have introduced a congressional resolution formally recognizing Mobile as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States — placing a more than 300-year Alabama tradition into the Congressional Record and presenting a unified, bipartisan show of support behind the Port City’s historic claim.
The resolution was introduced by U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile). Supportive statements were also issued by the rest of Alabama’s U.S. House delegation, including U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), and Dale Strong (R-Huntsville).
Together, the seven lawmakers emphasized that while many Americans associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, the first organized Mardi Gras celebration in what would become the United States took place in Mobile in 1703.
“Mardi Gras didn’t start somewhere else and eventually find its way to Mobile, it started right here in 1703,” Moore said. “For more than 300 years, the people of Mobile have celebrated Mardi Gras with parades, balls, and community, marking the close of Carnival and the beginning of Lent. This tradition reflects the shared culture and community found on the Gulf Coast, passed down generation after generation. Mobile was the original home of Mardi Gras in America, and this resolution makes sure that history is recognized and remembered.”
Figures, a Mobile native, highlighted both the city’s roots and the importance of federal recognition.
“As someone who was born and raised in Mobile, I can tell you that Mardi Gras is engrained in the culture of our city and in the DNA of everyone who calls Mobile home,” Figures said. “Though many people associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, it is a historical fact that Mardi Gras began on the banks of the Mobile Bay in 1703. Since then, it has blossomed into one of the greatest and most well-known cultural celebrations in America. I’m proud to write this historical fact into the Congressional Record. New Orleans, you’re welcome.”
Members from outside the Gulf Coast region also pointed to the statewide significance of the tradition.
“Alabama is a state steeped in history and remarkable firsts, from the very first 911 call made in my hometown here in the 4th Congressional District, to the birthplace of Mardi Gras in Mobile,” Aderholt said. “Long before the tradition spread across the country, it was Mobile that created it, shaping a celebration that has become part of our national culture. Alabama hasn’t just witnessed history, we’ve helped shape it.”
Strong also underscored the longevity of the celebration.
“For more than 300 years, Alabamians have carried forward the spirit of Mardi Gras. Long before parades and beads showed up, one of our nation’s oldest cultural traditions began in Mobile,” Strong said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Mobile as the true birthplace of Mardi Gras and honoring the generations who built, preserved, and passed down this historic celebration.”
Other delegation members — including Palmer, Sewell, and Rogers — also issued statements supporting the resolution and Mobile’s historical claim.
Over the centuries, Mardi Gras has grown to include mystic societies, themed parades, formal balls, marching bands, and family-friendly festivities. Joe Cain Day — observed the Sunday before Fat Tuesday — honors the figure widely credited with helping revive and sustain the celebration in Mobile.
This year’s Mardi Gras season is already underway, with weeks of parades and events scheduled across the Mobile area through Fat Tuesday.
With the new resolution, Alabama lawmakers are not just celebrating the season — they are putting the state’s role in launching America’s Mardi Gras tradition on the federal record.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
