As part of the Go-Daddy Bowl, they will be having an early Mardi Gras parade in downtown Mobile tonight. From people we've talked to last night, it is quite the big deal. I'm wondering if we are actually in the Mardi Gras season now?
Of course, Mobile maintains that the first Mardi Gras in what is today the U.S. took place here, and not in that "other city to the west."
The first recorded Mardi Gras observance here took place in 1703 at Twenty-seven Mile Bluff, Mobile's first settlement. In 1711, it was continued at the present-day site of the city and the first Mardi Gras organization, the Boeuf Gras Society formed to do it.
By 1730, a new group, the Cowbellion de Ralin was on it as well and seven years later, they introduced the idea of "throws" where members threw sugar plumbs, kisses and oranges at persons along the parade route..
Check out my Civil War blog to find out the impact of that war on the celebration.
Bon Tons Roulet? --Cooter
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