It’s been a few years since I attended Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but I want to re-share some photos from the celebrations in Biloxi.

After I made a few posts about the trip, my blog decided to have a hissy fit and delete all of my work (the smartie that I am didn’t save my work). Luckily I recovered almost everything, minus posts that had been made in the previous week (including those about Mississippi).

After I worked so hard on writing about the experience, I was too mentally exhausted to do it all over again.

So, today I will look back at my time at Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Gulf Coast:

Chances are that when you first think of Mardi Gras, your mind leads you to the questionable parties and seedy “bead-earning” traditions of New Orleans.

What you probably didn’t realize, is that the first American Mardi Gras actually started about 70 miles East, in the beautiful Gulf Coast town of Biloxi, Mississippi.

With a pulsing parade, all-night party and several royal traditions, Biloxi is an amazing place to celebrate Mardi Gras, and it will probably go a lot easier on your wallet.

As I mentioned, Mardi Gras did not originate in New Orleans. To make a long story short–here’s a little history lesson for you;

Two French brothers arrived in the area in the late 17th century, to claim the land for the King. They set up camp and established the settlement of Mobile, Alabama, where they had the first informal Mardi Gras parade in 1703.

By 1720, Biloxi, Mississippi had been made the capital of Louisiana (larger than present day Louisiana). It was in Biloxi that the first “cheers” was made to the King and Queen, and formally the first celebration of Mardi Gras was had.

It wasn’t until 1723 that New Orleans became the capital of Louisiana, and only then did Mardi Gras make its way to the city. The tradition has now expanded to the point that it became strongly associated with the city in popular perception.

But, we all know the truth ;]

To this day, a King and Queen will still be selected for the celebration. It is a well respected position and involves great competition to receive the reigning status.

Each year, a ceremony is held in crowning the royal couple, and just like the very first Mardi Gras, the citizens will “cheers” in their honour.

The entire royal party will wear elaborate costumes and go all out to pull of the celebrated tradition.

This alone is worth the trip to Mardi Gras, as it really is a sight to be seen.

But, on to the good stuff.

I know you want to hear about the parties.

Partying on the Gulf Coast is never a let down. Celebrations start at the beginning of February and really start to wind up over the week before.

In the days before hand, people start claiming their spaces for the parade by camping out or parking vehicles. Dedication.

If you drive up and down the main road you will see families BBQing dinner or friends around camp fires through the night.

Everyone gets super excited for the event and they make the celebration last as long as possible.

Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the true Mardi Gras ;]