Last updated on March 6th, 2025 at 02:53 pm

The 2025 Mardi Gras season has officially come to a close, but it’s never too early to start planning for 2026! Secure your reservations well in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the festivities.

The 2026 Mardi Gras season kicks off on January 6, 2026, and culminates on Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Our countdown clock has been reset, marking the days until the grand celebration begins!

Most parades roll out about two weeks before Fat Tuesday, so be sure to check back often. The official parade schedule is typically released in November 2025, and we’ll post updates as soon as they become available.

Get ready for another unforgettable Mardi Gras! 🎭🎉

You thought New Orleans was the only place in North America with Mardi Gras. I was completely unaware that the idea of a Mardi Gras parade and season did not start in New Orleans but instead in Mobile, AL. Mardi Gras parades are held all along the northern Gulf of Mexico as far West as the Texas border. But this article is not about other states so let’s get into the Mississippi Gulf Coast parades.

---

Countdown until Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026

---

Mardi Gras or Carnival season actually begins on the 12th night. 12 days after Christmas. A Christian holy day. Many Krewes schedule festive balls for the 12th night celebrations.

Most Mardi Gras parades are usually scheduled within two weeks of Fat Tuesday. Mississippi Gulf Coast cities host at least one parade with some hosting day and evening parades. Attending a day parade and an evening parade gives you two different experiences.

The Krewe of Neptune night parade in Biloxi is the largest on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Dozens of floats, marching bands, and many entertainers line the 1.5 miles of city streets. Krewe of Neptune Biloxi night parade route click here.

Bring your chair

Some hardcore parade attendees come every year. They know the routine. Come early to park your car closer. Bring chairs, ice chests, blankets if it’s cool, and other comforts. Stake out your area and move in. Some people tailgate, cooking on the back of their vehicles.

This is a family affair, bring everyone. Dress for the weather which for us locals is cool this time of the year. There are a few parades without fences so be sure to keep the kids close. Be prepared to catch beads and other goodies as the Krew members on the floats throw them to you. One year, I caught several moon pies. My wife and one of our friends caught sequined bras (strange but real).

Be prepared to meet people. People are friendly, say hello to those around you, ask where they are from and you may meet some new friends. Most parades listed below take place in the downtown section of the community listed. Due to rain, some have been rescheduled. Check with the City if heavy rain is expected.

---

Welcome to Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

This is a partial schedule from 2025 indicating the activities for just a few of the days during Mardi Gras or Carnival Season. Our complete schedule for 2026 will be posted here when available.

• 8:45 AM | Biloxi – GCCA Annual 5k Run for the Beads
• 10:30 AM | Pascagoula – Annual Krewe of Little Rascals Parade
• 1:30 PM | Vancleve – Mystic Krewe of Pine Island
• 6:00 PM | Long Beach – Annual Long Beach Mardi Gras Parade
• 7:00 PM | Gautier – Gautier Men’s Club Parade & Mardi Gras Tailgate Party

• 12:00 PM | Waveland – Krewe of Nereids Parade
• 12:30 PM | Biloxi – Krewe of Barkloxi Pet PAWrade

• 6:00 PM | Ocean Springs – Ocean Springs Carnival Association Night Parade

• 12:00 PM | Diamondhead – Krewe of Diamondhead Parade
• 12:00 PM | Pascagoula – Jackson County Carnival Association Parade
• 2:00 PM | Gulfport – Krewe of Gemini Parade
• 5:30 PM | Biloxi – Krewe of Neptune Night Parade

• 12:00 PM | Pass Christian – St. Paul Carnival Parade
• 1:30 PM | D’Iberville – North Bay Mardi Gras Association Parade

• 5:30 PM | Bay St. Louis – Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse Lundi Gras Parade
• 1:00 PM | Krewe of Barkloxi Pet PAWrade 1-5 pm Point Cadet Pavillion Biloxi

Tuesday, February 17 (Mardi Gras Day):

• 1:00 PM | Bay St. Louis – Krewe of Real People Parade
• 1:00 PM | Biloxi – Gulf Coast Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade
• 10:00 AM| Waveland Krewe of Nereids Parade (rescheduled from 2-22)

• 11:00 AM | Krewe of PAWseidon Parade, festivities start at 11:00 AM, parade at 12:00

---

MY FAVORITES

I must admit that I have not been to all of the parades. Since I live in Ocean Springs, I must admit that with some bias this is one of my favorites. The parade winds through the town allowing for lots of viewing space. You are very close to the action here. They have two parades but I like the night parade beast.

The lights and sounds and the people just love it. What a great way to wind down a day or week. It can be noisy so be prepared for lots of screening. Be sure not to get in the way of people grabbing for beads thrown from the floats.

The Biloxi Day parade is nice as well because it includes bands and performers from all over the country. It seemed that about half of the high school bands in Mississippi attended. Those kids are terrific. The Gulfport parade is equally as large with many bands and performers. Try to attend one of the larger parades and one of the smaller parades, each has its character.

Each of the parades has its character and the KREWES work hard all year to get ready for the parades. FYI, the parades are not the only activities that take place. The KREWES have masked balls during the season, joining a Krewe is similar to joining a club. Consider becoming a Krewe member and join in all of their annual events which include much more than just the Mardi Gras season.

---

Mardi Gras FAQ’s

---

History of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras or Carnival came from Europe and is still an important event in France, Italy, Brazil, and Germany (perhaps more countries) to this day. When I was stationed in Germany, I learned of Fasching season which is much the same as Mardi Gras. People dress up and party until Fat Tuesday the day before Ash Wednesday. Among the largest celebrations are the carnival in Venice, Italy, and Rio each year. These follow the same basic religious calendar with Fat Tuesday or the day before Ash Wednesday being the beginning of Lent.

People who live along the Gulf Coast have grown up with Mardi Gras since it started in the last century in Mobile. Without a doubt, they were not throwing out moon pies when they started. The KREWS or clubs are usually local and derive their membership from the local community. Just about everyone from the area knows someone who belongs to one of the KREWES.

As you can see above, Mardi Gras is more than just parades. The king cake is a favorite of the Mardi Gras season. This special cake has a surprise inside. The Mardi Gras tree morphs from the Christmas tree to the Mardi Gras tree with all of the Mardi Gras colors. Several of the casinos have very large ones like the one above.

---

History of Throws in Mardi Gras

Origins of Throws in Mardi Gras

• European Roots: The tradition of Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” dates back to medieval Europe, particularly in France. Early celebrations included feasts, masks, and merriment before the austerity of Lent.
• Arrival in America: Mardi Gras was brought to Louisiana by French settlers in the early 18th century. The first organized Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans occurred in the mid-19th century, featuring floats and participants in elaborate costumes.

---

Birth of Throws

• Start of the Tradition: In the 1870s, the Krewe of Twelfth Night Revelers began tossing trinkets to parade spectators, marking the beginning of the “throws” tradition.
• Beads: Glass beads were introduced in the early 20th century and quickly became a favorite. They were colorful, affordable, and easy to toss from floats.
• Doubloons: Aluminum and plastic doubloons, coins stamped with Krewe’s emblem and parade theme, were first introduced in 1960 by the Krewe of Rex. These quickly became prized collectibles.
• Other Items: Over time, krewes started offering unique throws, including toys, stuffed animals, cups, and even more elaborate items like decorated coconuts from the Krewe of Zulu.

---

Symbolism and Culture

• Beads and Colors: The official Mardi Gras colors—purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power)—were established in 1872 by the Krewe of Rex. Throws often reflect these colors, reinforcing the celebration’s themes.
• Catch Me If You Can: Throws symbolize the excitement and generosity of Mardi Gras. The act of catching them is a playful, interactive way for parade-goers to engage with the celebration.
• Cultural Identity: Throws represent the community spirit and creativity of Mardi Gras. Each krewe designs its own throws, reflecting its unique identity and annual theme.

---

Modern Evolution

• Eco-Friendly Alternatives: In recent years, concerns about waste have led to the introduction of sustainable throws, such as biodegradable beads, reusable items, and locally made trinkets.
• Personalized Throws: Some krewes now distribute signature items, like shoes from the Krewe of Muses or hand-decorated purses from the Krewe of Nyx, making them highly sought-after.

---

Fun Facts

• Coconuts: The Zulu coconut, often elaborately painted, is one of the most coveted throws. Due to safety concerns, they are now handed out rather than thrown.
• Beads for a Cause: Many organizations recycle beads after Mardi Gras, selling them to support charitable initiatives.

---

Mardi Gras throws are more than just souvenirs—they’re a symbol of the festive spirit, inclusivity, and cultural heritage of this unique celebration. From their historic beginnings to their modern adaptations, throws continue to capture the magic and joy of Mardi Gras for millions of revelers.

---

Another reason why I like the Mississippi Gulf Coast

One of the most popular articles on this site is about why I decided to move to Ocean Springs from California. You can read it by clicking on the link. Mardi Gras is one of those small pleasures that you can look forward to every year. My wife and I have a calendar of sorts listing all of the events that we want to attend. You have to schedule these or you will forget and attend another. There are so many events all year it’s hard to keep track of them.

Mardi Gras is one of our favorites and we will attend one or two parades. I am hoping that the Mardi Gras parade schedule for 2026 will be released sooner this year. There are a lot of moving parts in coordinating the various Krews with city requirements including police, fire, and public works.

If you want to read another article that is somewhat similar but with more details try reading why you need to retire on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. If you think it’s too soon to think about retirement, you need to read some of our articles about the topic you may be surprised about. Just as I was surprised about all of the Mardi Gras activity on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you may learn something you did not know about the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Mardi Gras Krewes

I was thinking that adding some of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Mardi Gras Krew contact information might be something my readers may be interested in. As I have mentioned above, belonging to a Mardi Gras Krewe is not just about the annual parade. Krewes are clubs with activities throughout the year. The two biggest events are the Ball which takes place after January 1 and the Mardi Gras parade.

Take a look at some of Krewe’s websites and Facebook accounts, and see the costumes and activities they get involved in. Some of the Krewe sites below provide parade routes and other information.

If you are local, you may want to join a Krew. A friend of mine just joined one of the Krews for the social aspects. The following are just a few of the many Krewes located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Click on the blue name which will take you to the Krewe website or Facebook page.

Mardi Gras Krewes on the Gulf Coast

Note: if your Krewe is not mentioned here, contact us with information and it will be posted.

The King and Queen

Each Krewe elects a King and Queen every year to represent the Krewe in activities plus the Mardi Gras Parade float. The photo above is one example of the pageantry that goes on within the Krewes preceding Mardi Gras each year. Check out the links above to see more photos of the various Krewes activities.

The king and queen of a Mardi Gras krewe are prominent figures who play a central role in the krewe’s festivities. Each year, krewes, which are social organizations that plan and participate in Mardi Gras parades and events, select individuals to serve as the royalty for their organization. The selection is often based on tradition, contributions to the krewe, or the member’s standing within the group.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. King: The king typically symbolizes the authority and leadership of the Krewe. He is often chosen for his contributions to the organization or the community. During parades and balls, the king dons a lavish robe, crown, and scepter, appearing on a decorated float or throne. The king’s role involves leading the Krewe’s parade, presiding over the ball, and embodying the spirit of Mardi Gras revelry.
2. Queen: The queen is usually a young woman, often related to members of the Krewe or selected for her dedication to the group. Her responsibilities include accompanying the king during parades, reigning over the ball, and being a symbol of grace and elegance. The queen typically wears an ornate gown and tiara, embodying the pageantry and tradition of Mardi Gras.

Significance:

• The king and queen’s participation adds a sense of royalty and spectacle to Mardi Gras celebrations.
• Their selection often follows the krewe’s own unique traditions, which can include passing down the roles through families or hosting elaborate ceremonies.
• The royalty may also engage in community events, charity work, or public appearances to promote the spirit of Mardi Gras.

Overall, the roles of the king and queen embody the celebration’s mix of tradition, pageantry, and community spirit.

It’s all about the food

It’s all about the food

You can’t visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast without tasting some of our great food. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is known for its fresh seafood, particularly freshly caught gulf shrimp. Mardi Gras is crawfish season, you have to try a crawfish boil offered at many restaurants. Try our Mississippi catfish as well.

Check out the top 10 foods available to you when visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Y’all come and visit us. Our winter is not like your winter. We complain when the weather gets to 65 degrees as being cold. If you are digging out of snow, come visit and thaw out.

The weather

The following is based on the forecast for Mardi Gras 2025. Check back closer to the end of February for more current weather.

Mardi Gras season is a great time to visit. If you like it here, buy a vacation home or move here. Contact Logan-Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors, or visit their site by clicking on this line. When my wife and I travel, we like to see what house prices are in the area. Take a look.

Is there anything else to do?

Lots of things to do. According to this article, Biloxi has at least 52 things to do. More in this article. Of course, there is Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and all of the other cities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast full of events and places to go, eat, and have fun. Check out this “Activities” page

Where to stay

If you live in the area, drive to the event and drive back home after. If you are traveling to the area, we suggest that you stay at a vacation rental property. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is ground zero for great vacation rental properties.

ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com is an option for accommodations during your Mardi Gras stay. Christies is offering free travel insurance to guests who book directly on their site.

Looking for a place to retire?

If you like what you see on the Mississippi Gulf Coast why not retire here? Many people retire on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Housing and most costs of living are substantially lower than other areas of the country. ZERO state taxes on all retirement income from pensions, 401k, etc.

Check out this article ” Why you need to retire on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. If you retire here, you can experience Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Gulf Coast every year.

Additional resources

Parade routes are available on official city websites and at the Krewe sites listed above. If you would like to see and do more while you are visiting, check Christie’s Gulf Beach Rentals Activities site which lists many things to do on the Coast.

Like parades? Plan to attend a Saint Patrick’s Day parade on March 15, 2025, in downtown Biloxi. The Hibernia Irish Society sponsors this parade every year.

Ocean Springs Day Parade

If you are considering starting a business after retirement in Ocean Springs or the Mississippi Gulf Coast, check out our series of articles here. This area is full of small successful businesses. The climate for small businesses on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is excellent.

Thanks for visiting our site, please read other articles and leave us some comments.