While Christmas trees have been coming down, one Mardis Gras is going up. It is downtown Mobile's annual 'Lighting of the Mardi Gras Tree.' It will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, at Mardi Gras Park, 109 Government Street, Mobile.
There will be live music from the Excelsior Band, the Jukebox Brass Band and the Blow House Brass Band, as well as games, food and activities for the whole family. The tree lighting itself will take place at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The event is free and is hosted by the Events Department of the City of Mobile.
Mardi Gras in 2025 is on Tuesday, March 4. It will feature parades, vendors and invitation-only formal balls.
Between the kickoff and Mardi Gras day, there will be dozens of parades through downtown Mobile. They are free, with no tickets needed. Parking spaces and lots do charge varying amounts.
A schedule of Mardi Gras parades in Mobile and Baldwin Counties is here:
mobilemask.com/parade-schedule.html
American Mardis Gras originated in Mobile. It is considered a safer and more family-friendly celebration than the well-known Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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