Mobile, Alabama prides itself on being the original home of Mardi Gras, with the first dated celebration going back over 300 years to 1703.

Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is the culmination of weeks of parades, balls, celebrations, and everything in between.

For Mobilians, it is a sacred season of the year which they take tremendous pride in being the “official home of Mardi Gras”

This morning, Governor Kay Ivey encouraged Alabamians to enjoy Mardi Gras festivities — and to do so responsibly:

🥳: Let’s not forget where the original party started…Mobile!

Alabama, if you're out celebrating our very own tradition — Mardi Gras — make sure you are enjoying the festivities responsibly and safely. #alpolitics

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) February 13, 2024

This year was extra special for residents of the Port City with some of the biggest Mardi Gras organizations in the city celebrating milestone anniversaries.

Joe Cain’s Merry Widows celebrated their “50 years of weeping”, the Order of Polka Dots as well as the Mystics of Time both celebrated their 75th anniversaries, while the Crewe of Columbus celebrated its 100th, and the Knights of Revelry celebrated their 150th.

According to a previous study conducted by the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Mardi Gras festivities regularly brings in over $400 million annually to the Mobile economy, keeping businesses in the city sustained throughout the year.

For one more day, beads, Moonpies, and doubloons will shower the city of Mobile to culminate the “Feast Before the Fast.”

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP