Mobile and Mardi Gras

Whether it’s a local event, a cultural tradition or a story worth listening to, Alabama has no shortage of voices that deserve the spotlight. Alabama Out Loud is a new series with host Aydan Conchin that highlights events, culture and community voices from across the state — turning up the volume on what makes Sweet Home Alabama worth listening to. This episode explores Mardi Gras in Mobile.

As residents across much of the country take down their holiday decorations, sobered by New Year's resolutions and a return to business as usual, in Mobile, Louisiana, and around the world, people are ramping up for the biggest celebration of the year. Throughout the state residents are preparing for Carnival season, a pre-Lenten and weeks-long bash that includes feasting on savory dishes, opulent balls and a stream of massive parades rolling through city streets.

142 years young! Grab your black cap and necktie— we're talking all about Mobile's legendary Excelsior Band. The country's oldest marching jazz band is led by Hosea London. He chats with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about preserving that beautiful, traditional jazz sound! Plus, the big beach debate (Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach), what's an acceptable dish for a potluck in the Port City and how the Yellowhammer State can make some progress.

Sandy Stimpson is the 108th Mayor of Mobile and a proponent of the Port City's history, museums, art and, of course, Mardi Gras! Now in his final term in office, he talks to Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about what lies ahead after public service. Plus, how his wife of 50 years, Jean, is always the boss!

Mardi Gras means parties and parades along the Alabama Gulf coast. That means it’s also prime time for people who like to catch the colorful beads and doubloons that are thrown from the parade floats. This may sound like all fun and games, but environmentalists say there’s a darker side to this Mardi Gras tradition.

Mobile’s 2025 Mardi Gras ship is set to dock in the Port City! The Mobile Council of the Navy League of the United States, the City of Mobile and the Alabama Port Authority have chosen USS McFAUL (DDG 74) for the honor on Feb. 28.

Mobile’s 2025 Mardi Gras ship is being announced! The Mobile Council of the Navy League of the United States, the City of Mobile and the Alabama Port Authority are choosing the USS McFAUL (DDG 74) for the honor.

The 2025 Mardi Gras season is on the horizon. The annual celebration originated in 1703 in Mobile. This year, the city's Animal Services Department will enforce new policies and requirements to ensure the safety of horses, riders and spectators during parades.

Mayor Sandy Stimpson is announcing the City of Mobile’s plans to tear down the 60-year-old Mobile Civic Center and construct a new, world-class entertainment destination suited for concerts, family shows and sporting events, including professional hockey.

It is the Mardi Gras season in Alabama and Mobile has already started celebrating. The City of Mobile started celebrating the holiday when the city was founded in 1702. Fat Tuesday will be on February 13th this year.