Mobile's Mardi Gras Gallery

Mobile was the first U.S. city to hold Mardi Gras celebrations, begun when the city was under the control of the French during the early eighteenth century. Numerous mystic societies have formed over the years which sponsor aspects of the celebrations. Mardi Gras festivities were suspended during the Civil War, but reveler Joe Cain famously resurrected the tradition in 1866 when he led an unsanctioned parade in the Union-held city. Today thousands flock to Mobile every year to celebrate the holiday.