The Mardi Gras season is quickly approaching as Fat Tuesday is slated for March 1 this year. The entire Mississippi Gulf Coast will be joining in on the festivities with a multitude of parades, galas, and parties.
Picayune kicks the celebration off on February 2 with the first parade of the carnival season is set to start at 2 pm. Then, Ocean Springs Elks Club Carnival Parade follows on Feb. 12 starting at 1 pm.
Each year, downtown Ocean Springs enjoys an all-day festival as the parade marches through town. The parade begins at Front Beach and travels on Porter Avenue towards Washington Avenue before hitting Government Street.
Businesses along the way add to the celebration by selling souvenirs, t-shirts, and serving up tasty food and cold beverages. The streets are lined with cheering and dancing as the beads fly. No one is left out as every street location offers a winning view of the parade while the floats and bands travel past.
The Elks Carnival Parade will bring a crowd, so come early to find your spot. Expect to get your fill of beads this Mardi Gras season with 16 coastal parades currently planned. Click here for all Mardi Gras events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.