what is the two biggest parades in mardi gras
New Orleans might boast the biggest Mardi Gras, but just two hours east, Mobile, Alabama, hosts the country's original Fat Tuesday. Mobile first hosted a Mardi Gras celebration in 1703, predating any celebration in New Orleans by at least a decade.
New Orleans has Louisianaâs largest and most known Mardi Gras, but nearly every community in the state has its own version of the annual party. Mardi Gras refers to events leading up to Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Mardi Gras, this year on Feb. 17, is French for Fat Tuesday, which refers to the practice of eating rich foods before the religious obligations of Lent. The period leading up to Fat Tuesday is known as the Carnival season. Parades are the most popular public activity during the days leading up to Fat Tuesday. Parades are organized by private social clubs called krewes.