Mobile is the birthplace of America’s first Mardi Gras, and with pandemic safety guidelines in place, Mobilians have found an unusual way to commemorate this annual event with the Mobile Porch Parade.

Front yards throughout Mobile’s downtown neighborhoods have been transformed into Mardi Gras floats, with some even calling the alternate celebration “Yardi Gras.”

“As a descendent of Joe Cain, the father of Mobile’s Mardi Gras, it’s important to my family to safely carry on with this celebration,” said resident Heather Brantley. “Living downtown has given us an opportunity to be a part of keeping Mardi Gras alive during these challenging times. Right now, everyone is in need of some form of revelry that Mardi Gras brings. Our porch parade is another example of how our community has supported each other through the pandemic.”

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@jenlawright via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@ashland_gallery_too via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@suzannesarver via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@visitmobileal via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mabeebabee via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@thefabulushbasil via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@tinytentparty via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@lifesatripwithjen via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@lepretwilliams via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@shutter_antics via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@leahisafox via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mariannahlyon via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@shutter_antics via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@shutter_antics via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@mobileporchparade via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@retore_mobile via Instagram)

Homes and businesses are participating in Mobile’s Porch Parade that locals are calling “Yardi Gras” since the pandemic has subdued the normal Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. (@the_alabama_tourist via Instagram)

More than 400 homes and businesses registered to be part of the Mobile Porch Parade map that was designed to show parade routes for safe touring. All homes and businesses are encouraged to join in the fun through Mobile’s social media campaign by sharing photos and tagging @mobileporchparade or #mobileporchparade.

Be a part of the Mobile Porch Parade celebration by following the festivities on Facebook and Instagram.

To learn more about the history of Mobile’s Mardi Gras, visit the Mobile Carnival Museum.