Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Let the Good Times Roll with Mardi Gras in Mobile, AL!

Come Together and Celebrate with Friends and Family during the Mardi Gras Season.

 

In 2017, Hargrove partnered with the City of Mobile and other officials to help renovate and restore a historic building in downtown Mobile – a building that had sat empty for 15 years. We now have two fully restored buildings overlooking the Mardi Gras parades, including the largest balcony on the route.

Local news stations broadcast from this very balcony every year!

During Mardi Gras, there are more than a dozen parades leading up to Fat Tuesday. With its prime location, Hargrove takes full advantage by hosting events and activities for Teammates and their families to enjoy the parades.

The Original Mardi Gras

The Mardi Gras carnival celebration in Mobile, Alabama is the oldest official carnival celebration in the United States, starting back in 1703 when Mobile was the capital of Louisiana. While the origins of the celebration are a French Catholic tradition, Mardi Gras has evolved into a month-long celebration that reaches across cultures.

Since Mobile is the original city to celebrate Mardi Gras, there is a deep sense of pride in the Mobile community. Mobile has a very diverse culture, and many feel that the Mardi Gras celebration brings these cultures together.

Mardi Gras translates into “Fat Tuesday,” and it falls on the Tuesday before Lent. The Mobile Mardi Gras is seen in the community as a time of family traditions. The festivities represent a time to come together. Members in the parade will throw out gifts to the crowd such as colorful beads, treats like moon pies and candy, doubloons, and toys for children.

Hargrove Teammates Getting into the Spirit

Beyond enjoying festivities with their loved ones, many Hargrove Teammates are involved with the community planning and organization involved with Mardi Gras.

“Mardi Gras started in Mobile, so it is embedded in the culture all around,” explained Sean Phillips, PE, Project Manager, and member of one of the mystic societies. “It promotes a sense of community for everyone around you.” Phillips also cited enjoying the balls, as they’re a fun excuse to get dressed up with your date and have a good time with friends.

“Mardi Gras is important to me and my family as we have celebrated for as long as I can remember. I am pretty sure I came into the world as a king cake baby,” joked BreAnna Fountain, Panel Shop Admin. “Having family members serve in several organizations and seeing things develop from the very start up until the day and night of the parades and balls is always exciting.”

BreAnna describes Mardi Gras as a holiday season. It’s a time to be around close friends and meet new people – a celebration where you never know what you’ll see or what throws you might catch.

“I enjoy the little details that go on behind the scenes that at times go unnoticed. Some may not realize what goes into preparing for the Mardi Gras balls with all the lavish decor and food,” said BreAnna. “A lot of time and patience goes into the design and execution of the floats. It’s special to see how it all comes together.”

William Poirier, OT Cybersecurity Specialist, tries to go to at least two to three parades every year with friends and family. He’s been involved in a couple of mystic society parades.

“A group of us had the opportunity to announce the parade by sounding the alarm as part of the Mardi Gras tradition,” said William. “We made loud noises so onlookers would know the parade was approaching.”

Heath Stephens, PE, Digitalization Leader, lives in a neighborhood downtown where the parades start and end. In addition, their neighborhood contains the Mobile Civic Center, which is an event space for many of the society balls. Heath likes to joke that he and his family “host” Mardi Gras.

“My children grew up with the parades rolling by their front porch, and they always get a thrill waving to mom and family friends on the floats,” said Heath. Heath’s wife is also a member of two mystic societies. While his involvement is unofficial, he enjoys taking part in the festivities.

“Mardi Gras is a way to share the Mobile spirit with visitors and neighbors, connecting with people from all walks of life.”

Get Into the Mardi Gras Spirit!

For more information about Mardi Gras in Mobile, including the parade schedule, visit here.