A Visit to the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum in Biloxi

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When you think about Mardi Gras the majority think of New Orleans, but the first Mardi Gras was held in Mobile, Alabama in 1703.  You will find there’s a lot of history about Mardi Gras along the Gulf Coast as well.  Visiting the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum in Biloxi will give you a lot of history about this event.

You learn about the Kings and Queens, the Krewes, parades, but my favorite part was the elaborate costumes.  You also get to play dress up with some of the props.

Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum in Biloxi

This is a small museum so you don’t have to allow a lot of time, but there is a tour guide which can give you a tour and answer questions, then let you explore on your own.  If you like glitz, glamour, and pageantry, this is the place for you.  If you want more of a private tour, or have a large group, this can be arranged ahead of time by contacting THE MUSEUM.

You see all colors of the rainbow plus more in the costumes and banners on display.  Some of my thoughts were how heavy they must be and how long you had to wear them. 

Each costume for the King and Queen is custom designed for those who are wearing them.  Most are made in the Coastal Mississippi with a few made in New Orleans, which is just a few hours from the Biloxi area.

Each ball has a theme and those attending may be representing a sub-theme.

Attend a Parade for Mardi Gras

The first City of Biloxi Mardi Gras Parade was held on March 3, 1908, which began Mardi Gras in Mississippi.

Want to attend Mardi Gras festivities & parades?  Find a SCHEDULE here.  For 2024, they continue until Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, February 13.

There are multiple parades held in the Coastal area along a variety of streets, and times. 

I love New Orleans but have never wanted to go during Mardi Gras, but thinking maybe a parade along the Gulf Coast would be fun to attend.  I wonder if they might be a bit more family-friendly as well.

Have Fun in Biloxi for Mardi Gras

You will find parties, parades, and balls during this Carnival time in Biloxi.  It’s not just one day.

The most exciting for the whole family are the parades with elaborate floats decorated in traditional colors and krewe members on board tossing out treasures to the crowd.  Most associate beads with this but they can also be anything from cups to stuffed animals to Chattanooga’s own – Moon Pies.

“Throw Me Something Mister” is the most used phrase being yelled to the krewe members in hopes of scooping up some of the fun.

What is Mardi Gras?

Many believe it’s a time to party – which can be true, but it actually started out as a religious holiday beginning at Epiphany/12^th Night on January 6^th and continues through Mardi Gras Day, the day before Ash Wednesday.

It was first acknowledged back in 1699 near the mouth of the Mississippi River, marking it’s first celebration in the Americas. 

What is a Krewe?

A krewe is normally a social organization with paid members who stage or participates in parades and balls for the Carnival or Mardi Gras celebrations.  These can be small private groups with open memberships up to “super” krewes with hundreds of members.  Many krewes were formed from those of French or Catholic heritage.  Well-known people are members of krewes and regularly appear at events or parades. 

Harry Connick, Jr., a well-known New Orleans native, belongs to the Krewe of Orpheus, a super krewe in New Orleans.  They were one of the first krewes to allow male and female riders in a parade.

Playing Dress Up 

Are you ready for Mardi Gras?  I think I would fit in – what do you think?

A Few Favorites

Maid Mary Buchanan representing Duke University, Polar Bear Plunge, Krew of Neptune

So bright and colorful

Men also get dressed up

 

More to Explore Along the Gulf Coast

See the ANGEL TREES

Coastal Mississippi – The Secret Coast

Going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras or just a visit.  I had THE BEST MEAL ever there.

 

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