Today is Fat Tuesday

This time last year there were an estimated 220,000 revelers in downtown Mobile, Alabama celebrating Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras, translated to “Fat Tuesday” in French, is a preamble to the Lenten season as Catholics prepare to fast from Ash Wednesday to Easter.  Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and is always the Wednesday after Fat Tuesday. 

Carried over to the New World from its roots in medieval Europe, Mardi Gras was first established in Mobile, Alabama in 1703. Some would argue that New Orleans was the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America, but New Orleans was not even an established city until 1718. In fact, in 1703, Mobile was the capital of Louisianna. Mardi Gras in Mobile is immersed in tradition and revelry. Each year, the Mayor of Mobile gives permission in writing to New Orleans, and other Cities, to have their own Mardi Gras festivities.  

My family has been involved with Mardi Gras for three generations. I have been involved with a mystic society for almost 25 years, and this year my father-in-law will be enjoying his 61st year parading in a mystic society. In Mobile, there are over 40 Mardi Gras parades this season put on by respective mystic societies. Mardi Gras parades run on one of several parade routes, feature a variety of music including marching bands, and embrace elaborate floats filled with masked society members tossing moon pies, beads, and other favorites to revelers. Most mystic societies will also host formal balls following their parade. The oldest continuing parading society in Mobile is the Order of Myths, which started parading in 1868.

The estimated annual economic impact of Mardi Gras in Mobile is over $400 Million, with over $50 Million in taxes. To be a Mobilian, and part of the oldest official Carnival celebration in the United States, is a uniquely Mobile experience. 

Sain Associates established a branch office in Mobile in May of 2023. Within less than a year, that move has proven to be a successful strategy. Industries such as ship building, aluminum and steel manufacturing, aerospace, freight and maritime, have South Alabama flourishing, and we are excited to be part of the momentum. We currently have an open position in Sain’s Mobile office. To learn more about the project manager position, click here.

Laissez les bons temps rouler – Let the Good Times Roll!