Mobile Mardi Gras Home of North America's Very First Mardi Gras The Mobile Mardi Gras dates back to a medieval tradition of feasting just before the arrival of Lent. Since Lent always starts on Ash Wednesday any last minute feasting had to be done the day before. This was called Fat Tuesday, or, in French, Mardi Gras. In 1703, Mobile was a newly founded colony (and capital of the Louisianna Territory) when its inhabitants observed North America's very first Mardi Gras. Mobile's Mardi Gras celebration is still going strong. Dozens of mystic societies build colorful Mardi Gras floats and parade through downtown Mobile during the weeks preceding Mardi Gras Day. While Mardi Gras marks the climax of festivities, it is not the only day of big parades. In the weeks preceding Fat Tuesday there are many other parades. For more information on the celebration, contact the Mobile Convention & Visitors Corporation:334-208-2000 or 1-800-5-MOBILE.