Let the good times roll: Alabama’s Mardi Gras parades have begun

The 2025 Mardi Gras season has arrived in the Mobile area, courtesy of the Krewe de la Dauphine.

The Dauphin Island parade rolled Saturday, bringing a parade of classic cars, floats, boats, trailer bands and other units to a crowd of thousands occupying the median and shoulders of Bienville Boulevard.

As is the tradition for Dauphin Island parades, many came early to establish extensive tailgating setups including grills, fire pits, coolers, plenty of chairs and even playpens for the youngest. Their reward was a chance to enjoy a day of cool but sunny weather and a parade experience that omits the barricades used in Mobile, putting participants and onlookers within arm’s reach of each other.

The Krewe adopted the superhero theme of “KDLD Saves the Day” for the occasion.

The action continues on Saturday, Feb. 8, when the Dauphin Island People’s Parade rolls at 1 p.m., also along Bienville Boulevard. Downtown Mobile’s parading season begins Friday, Feb. 14.

For a schedule of major parades, click here.

• 10 wonderfully weird King Cake-inspired treats in Alabama, from brittle to Bushwackers
• The origins of King Cake: How the colorful, sweet treat became a Mardi Gras staple
• JD Crowe: Anybody in Lower Alabama need snow chains?
• Mobile ramps up Mardi Gras security after New Orleans attack
• ‘Mardi Gras Job Fair’ Thursday at Mobile Convention Center