What happens at Mardi Gras, stays in Mardi Gras...

So I got to experience Mardi Gras the way Mobile does it, and has done it since 1703, which if you know anything about Mardi Gras, you know that it didnt start in nasty New Orleans until 1718. SO there. Not only was being immersed in the culture amazing as I got to participate in the parades, elegant balls, and festivities, but I got to do them with my family. And I got to share my family with some awesome friends from UNA. I had the best weekend ever. One of my life goals is to make more road trips and see more of this worlds culture, and I got to make a mark on that one.

So we arrive in Mobile to stay with my family. Fortunately, they let us have their whole house! They were staying at this amazing hotel called the Battle House, built in 1851, ADPi's say what! Anyway, pretty much the moment we got there, they were itching to initiate us into Mardi Gras and gave us so many presents! Special beads for their mystic societies and themed parties, light up headbands with medusa-like string things, koozies, boas, the works ok. It was great.

Time for the parades. We went to about 4. One before each ball and the saturday ones were bright, long, and bountiful. Members of these societies that host the parades ride on floats that fit into a theme, and they throw many goodies to bystanders, no fabric-free entertainment required. This is the original Mardi Gras in Mobile, after all. The throws are beads, moon pies, stuffed animals, plastic cups, candy, toys- Cher caught a tomahawk! what- peanuts, frisbees, doubloons, roses, and even ice cream sandwiches. It was great fun to see my cousins on their floats in their costumes and masks. On the walk overs before the parade even starts, they hand delivered us bystanders roses and garters and beads. Its tradition.

Then we went to the Ball...twice. As invited guests, we got all fancy in the hotel in our long dresses and tuxedoes and of course beads. All made up we run outside, just in time to call a limousine to taxi us to the party. Apparently, we only do things in style. Once there, we hand our tickets at the door as they quickly inspect that we are dressed appropriately, I suppose. Since my cousins are society members, they are already backstage and we go sit in the balcony to watch the tableau vivant, in which all the members are introduced and there is even a choreographed celebration of the leaders and board members of the society. For my cousin who is in the men's society, we cheered as the board came out in their feathered headdresses and matching colored escort. Then the Inca, the leader and he did his performance as the crowd below threw him doubloons. Then came the queen, in her beautiful white gown and exquisite train. She came to meet her husband as he came down from the ceiling in his fancy costume. They took their tour of the floor in all their elegance. After all the members were introduced in order of their floats and waltzed from the stage to meet the beautiful queen, they dispersed for the party to begin. For my cousin who is in the women's society, we again sat high and cheered for her and her members as similar elaborate introductions took place. They each came out to their song of choice and then the party began. We had food in the rooms belonging to each float group and drinks alike. There were a few different bands. Lots of dancing and merriment to celebrate the season of carnival.

We brought back so many goodies, gifts, masks, and memories!

I am such a lover of culture and tradition, that we all know I ate up every moment of this experience and am likely to return.