Mardi Gras Museum in Mobile

J and I took a trip in January to the Gulf Shores area.  Missouri's usual winter weather is cold and snowy and that's just what we experienced as we were preparing to leave.  An ice storm hit and delayed our trip a couple of days.  The beautiful Gulf of Mexico was worth the slight delay, though!  

We played a little golf,

and toured Bellingrath Home and Gardens. 

We also toured a museum new to us, the Mobile Carnival Museum.  

I wasn't aware the Mardi Gras tradition in the New World actually began in the Mobile area in the early 1700's.  This museum celebrates this rich tradition with displays of parade floats, elaborate costumes and intricately designed crowns, scepters and robes worn by the chosen monarchs.

This post is long on photos but it was hard to decide which robes to edit since there were so many different, exquisite designs.

Each year, King Felix III and his Queen reign over the festivities and wear elaborate costumes.  These two royals are chosen almost a year in advance of Fat Tuesday to prepare for their responsibilities.  You can read more about this HERE under "Who is King Felix and how is the Mardi Gras court selected each year?"

These robes are so heavy that rollers are added to the bottom to help the Royal walk!

There are crowns

and scepters.

Many of the crowns and robes have been passed down through generations and refashioned for the new reigning monarch.  The crown below has been worn by many ladies in the same family.  (sorry about getting me in the photo!)

This robe is decorated with turkey feathers from Russia.

I couldn't pass up a chance to add a tablescape!  There are parties and balls and lots of feasting so it's only fitting the royal couple dine in spendor. 

Those in the Royal Court are not the only ones to wearing elaborate costumes.  Members of numerous Mystic Societies also don costumes that pertain to their names.

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of the Mobile Carnival Museum!  As ones who knew little of this tradition, we found it fascinating and it gave us a new appreciation for this event.  It looks like a lot of fun!!

Do you have plans for Mardi Gras this year?  I'm planning a menu of Mardi Gras Beef, Dirty Rice and Carnival Cookies.  Sorry, no over-the-top gowns or robes for us, though!


I'm linking to these parties this week:

• Amaze Me Monday
• Dishing It and Digging It
• Make It Pretty Monday
• Tuesdays At Our Home
• Tuesdays With a Twist
• The Scoop
• Share Your Cup Thursday
• Sweet Inspirations