Folks from Mobile will tell you, repeatedly, that Mobile was the FIRST Mardi Gras, dating back to 1709. It is also the BEST Mardi Gras, cultured and with a sense of history, not like those drunken uncouths in New Orleans. Our friend Nancy has a brother who lives in Mobile. He was more than willing to show us around for the night. He even offered to get us tickets for one of the balls, but floor length evening gown and tails don't fit us well, so we declined.
First things first. We needed to get lunch and a beer. As has been said to me, "How can you drink all day if you don't start in the morning?"
On our way to have a beer.
We met Dave in the bar. He is a member of the mystic organization of the Strikers, one of the oldest mystic organizations in Mobile. They don't have "krewe" here, rather "mystic organizations." He offered us much advice, all of it good. Offered to "load us up" with trinkets from his float in the parade on Thursday, but we will be on the road, so we had to decline.
Dave.
After beers and a burger, we went to watch the afternoon parades.
You get the idea. All the people on the floats were throwing stuff. Mostly beads (we have a ton), but also moon pies, cups, stuffed animals, candy, ice cream sandwiches (really), bubble gum, etc.
We were told that it is actually NOT, NOT, NOT the thing to do to expose boobs in order to get more beads and stuff. You will be arrested, and the fine is $1,000. Perhaps that is done on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but most assuredly not in Mobile.
Night time parades were cooler some how. Maybe just the lights, but better.
Some short videos, if I am successful.
Today we went to the Mardi Gras Museum in Mobile. We were both astounded by the time, expense, and effort put into the costumes for the king and queen of the Mardi Gras.
Not so much.
Worn by the king and queen in 2016. Those are their trains flanking them in the picture.
All hand sewn.
More from previous years. Often, two children escort the queen, tugging on her train so that she is able to move.
We are riding 27 miles tomorrow to Tillmans Crossing. In the rain. Yuk. Still, it is only 27 miles. The temperatures will be in the mid to upper 60's, so we shouldn't be cold, and leaving now will get us to New Orleans for that more vulgar Mardi Gras.
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