Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday that is celebrated in many countries around the world! Mardi Gras is connected to Easter, so the date of the holiday changes each year just as it does for Easter. Thus, Mardi Gras will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. However, the Mardi Gras season always starts on January 6, which is the “Feast of the Epiphany” which is the revelation that Jesus is the son of God. Mardi Gras season is a lot of fun celebrations that include parades with decorated floats where those on the floats throw trinkets or treasures (beads, moon pies, cups, stuffed animals) to those watching the parade.
The first Mardi Gras parade on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was in 1908, and it included 17 floats. Today, there are many more parades across the Mississippi Coast that you can enjoy!
1. Ocean Springs Parades
Elks Parade
This parade is on February 4th and will start at 1 pm. This parade will begin at the corner of Front Beach and Porter Ave. Admission is free.
Carnival Association Night Mardi Gras Parade
This one will take place on February 17th at 7 pm. This one will start at Porter Ave and Front Beach Drive
2. Biloxi Parades
Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade
This parade will be on February 11th at 10 am. The parade will start on Howard Ave, just under the I-110 overpass. When the parade ends at City Hall, there will be a Mardi Gras celebration that includes art activities and refreshments!
Annual Krewe of Barkloxi’s PAWrade
This will take place on February 12th from 11 am to 2 pm. Admission is free, and the location is 710 Beach Blvd in Biloxi. You can register your dog starting at 11 am with the parade lineup at 12:30 pm.
Annual Krewe of Neptune Night Mardi Gras Parade
This parade is on February 18 at 5:30 pm. This one starts on Main Street.
3. Gulfport Parades
Annual Krewe of Gemini Parade Mardi Gras Parade
This one is on February 21st at 5:30 pm. This parade starts at 19th St and Highway 49.
Annual Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Day Parade
This parade is on February 18th at 2 pm, and it starts at 19th St and Highway 49.
4. Bay St. Louis Parades
Annual Krewe of Diamonds Mardi Gras Parade
This parade will happen on February 21st at 1 pm. This parade will start at Bookter St and Necaise Ave.
Annual Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse “Lundi Gras” Parade
You can enjoy this parade on February 20th at 5 pm. This will be the only Mardi Gras evening parade on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on the Monday before Fat Tuesday. In addition, this parade will consist of 90+ golf carts that are pirate or coastal themed that all follow the Seahorse pirate float. This parade will begin at the Historic L&N Train Depot.
5. Diamondhead Parade
Krewe of Diamondhead Mardi Gras Parade
This parade will be on February 18th at 12 pm. This parade will include cars, floats, golf carts, and marching units.
6. Pass Christian Parades
Pass Christian Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade
This one will happen on February 4th at 1 pm.
Annual St. Paul Mardi Gras Parade
This one will be on February 19th at 12 pm. This one will start on Davis Ave and Highway 90.
7. Long Beach Mardi Gras Parade
Annual Carnival Association of Long Beach Mardi Gras Parade
This parade is on February 11th at 6 pm. This will start on Cleveland Ave.
8. Waveland Mardi Gras Parade
Annual Krewe of Nereids Mardi Gras Parade
This will be on February 12th at 12 pm. This parade begins on Drinkwater Drive.
Image by David Mark from Pixabay