You can’t visit Mobile, Alabama in February without a stop at the William and Emily Hearn Mobile Carnival Museum. Many think of New Orleans when they think of Mardi Gras. But the celebration actually began in this southern Alabama city. The museum captures the pageantry of this holiday in a series of exhibits at the historic Bernstein-Bush House.

More cowbell, anyone?

Visitors begin the tour of the Mobile Carnival Museum with a movie that chronicles the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile. The first carnival parade took place in 1708 according to the museum’s website. But a secret society called the Cowbellian de Rankin Society gets full credit for beginning the history of mystic societies and celebrations. It began with a New Year’s Eve celebration with rakes, hoes and yes, cowbells. The first parade, called “Heathen Gods and Goddesses” was held in 1840. Mardi Gras celebrations have taken place in Mobile ever since with some breaks for wars.

Touring the Mobile Carnival Museum

The museum offers guided tours or you can wander through at your own pace. You begin in what is called a “den,” a place where mystic societies held their secret meetings. A mystic society is defined as a secret organization that hosts Mardi Gras parades and events. Forty-three parades are scheduled in 2024. Make sure to get a picture of yourself on the Mardi Gras float in the den.

Check out this cool cat behind the float. The cat is one of the symbols of the Infant Mystics, the second oldest parading society in the country. You will see cats and other symbols throughout the museum.

Mardi Gras is for kids, too

One of our favorite exhibits is “Through the Eyes of a Child.” Children are an important part of Mardi Gras in Mobile.

The Mystics of Ashland Place hold a parade every year and have for 40 years, according to information from the museum.

Costumes and pageantry

Part of the fun of Mardi Gras is choosing what to wear during the parades and celebrations. Apparently, you can even honor your favorite soft drink.

In Mobile, King Felix III is an important part of the Mardi Gras. The first king was crowned in 1972 but the idea of royalty reigning over the celebration officially took hold in 1920. The king arrives with his knights on the Monday before Mardi Gras, known as Lundi Gras. He is giving a key to the city and presides over the celebrations and the parades. You will find several robes and other regalia worn by previous kings and their courts at the parade.

When the Moon Pie hits your eye

If you attend any of the Mardi Gras parades, you may get hit with Moon Pies. Don’t worry, they are not hard and are unlikely to injure you. That was not the case with the previous parade treat–Cracker Jack’s. Mobile’s mystic societies switched from Cracker Jacks to Moon Pies because they were softer. More than half a million Moon Pies make their way from their home in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Mobile, according to the museum. You can also pick up a box in the museum’s gift shop.

Fun facts about Mardi Gras and Mobile

Here are a few interesting things we learned through our experience with the Mobile Carnival Museum.

• Hank Aaron, who was born in Mobile, served as mayor of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association in 1956. It is the city’s first Black society, formed in 1936.
• Those masks have a name. They are called Bal Masque, pronounced “ball masks.”
• Mardi Gras celebrations begin way before February. The Camellia Ball, held Thanksgiving weekend and features the area’s debutantes.

Tips for visiting the Mobile Carnival Museum

The museum located at 355 Government Street in downtown Mobile and is easy to find. Parking is on the side of the building. You will enter through the gift shop-you will find all kinds of things Mardi Gras there.

Plan on spending at least an hour and more time if you are a Mardi Gras history buff. Don’t skip the movie. It’s well done and gives you a great background on the history of Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebrations.

Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Seniors, AARP members and military are $6.