You want beads? We have beads, lots of them. In fact, with five parades this year, the family will be loaded down with strands of faux jewels by the end of the season. Don’t worry; the parades are scheduled not to conflict. We wouldn’t necessarily say the two communities have a good-natured rivalry for honors as sponsoring the best parade, but we wouldn’t say they don’t either. So find your spot along the boulevard, put your hands in the air and give a shout. If you’re lucky, you might even snag a MoonPie sailing through the air.

MYSTICAL ORDER OF MIRAMS

The Mystical Order of Mirams kicks off the first parade of the season on February 26. Beginning on Beach Boulevard, this parade follows the same route as the Orange Beach Parade. The parade will roll at 6:30 and end at the intersection at Highway 161 and Perdido Beach Boulevard near Publix.

MYSTICS OF PLEASURE

Establishing the first nighttime parade in the area, the Mystics of Pleasure held its first ball and parade in 2001 and have been celebrating ever since. Unlike other parading groups, the Mystics of Pleasure ride Harley-Davidsons instead of horses. This group’s parade begins at 6 p.m. on February 26, right after the Mystical Order of Mirams and follows the same route.

Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade

Originated in 1978 by the local Pleasure Island Players, the City of Gulf Shores takes the lead these days in organizing its Mardi Gras Parade. Featuring the Mystic Order of Shiners, the oldest Mardi Gras parading order in Baldwin County, the parade has continued to grow each year. Beginning at 10:00 AM on West 19th Street, the floats, marching bands, and paraders move along the boulevard, finishing big at Gulf Place where you can mingle with new friends and get a closer look at the characters and costumes.

Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade

The Orange Beach parade began years ago when several groups wanted a chance to parade along the beach. Now, it is organized each year by the City of Orange Beach. Join the 30,000 enthusiastic spectators lining Perdido Beach Boulevard for the annual event. The parade begins at 2:00 PM and follows a two-mile route along the boulevard including marching bands, floats, and lots of beads. You’ll even find some of the Gulf Shores paraders who haven’t quite finished their celebrating, appearing in the Orange Beach procession.

LULU’S MARDI GRAS ANNIVERSARY & BOAT PARADE

You may have caught throws at Mardi Gras parades before, but have you gotten them from boats? LuLu’s in Gulf Shores celebrates its birthday and Fat Tuesday with one big anniversary and Mardi Gras party on March 1. Guests will enjoy free birthday cake, live music, a costume contest and a boat parade. It’s a great event for adults and children alike to celebrate the Mardi Gras season.