Mobile’s nearly month-long party that is Carnival comes to an end today, Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras.
As you would expect from the “Azalea City,” the parades, parties and people bring brilliant colors and colorful personalities. Alabama NewsCenter offers this glimpse into the Mystics of Ashland Place children’s parade and the annual Joe Cain Procession that honors the founder of the modern-day Mardi Gras in Mobile.
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Wild Mauvillians march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Foot marchers take part in the Joe Cain Procession as it winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Foot marchers take part in the Joe Cain Procession as it winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. Mobile’s Excelsior Band leads the parade. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Wild Mauvillians march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. Mobile’s Excelsior Band leads the parade. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Wild Mauvillians march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. Wayne Dean, who has portrayed Chief Slacabamorinico for 31 years, leads the foot marchers. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Foot marchers take part in the Joe Cain Procession as it winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Wild Mauvillians march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Wild Mauvillians march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Foot marchers take part in the Joe Cain Procession as it winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Wild Mauvillians march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Order of Bums march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Wild Mauvillians march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Foot marchers take part in the Joe Cain Procession as it winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Thomas Watts portrays “Citizen” Joe Cain as the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Wild Mauvillians march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Order of Bums march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. The Mistresses of Joe Cain hand out red roses as they walk in the procession. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. Wayne Dean, who has portrayed Chief Slacabamorinico for 31 years, leads the foot marchers. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Wild Mauvillians march in the Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
Children participate in the Mystics of Ashland Place parade during Mardi Gras festivities Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Mobile, Ala. The preschool program at Ashland Place United Methodist Church has put on the parade since 1980. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)
The Joe Cain Procession winds through downtown Mobile, Ala., Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Often referred to as the “People’s Parade,” it is the longest of the three-week season. (Mike Kittrell/Alabama NewsCenter)