Mardi Gras began as a Catholic pre-Lenten celebration in Europe, but in what is now the United States it was first formally celebrated in Mobile, Alabama, in the early 1700s, then later became famous in New Orleans.

Quick Scoop: Where Was Mardi Gras Started?

  • As a religious festival , Mardi Gras traces back to medieval Europe, especially Rome, Venice, and then France, where “Fat Tuesday” traditions developed before Lent.
  • As a North American celebration:
    • 1699: French explorers Iberville and Bienville landed near the Mississippi River and named the spot “Pointe du Mardi Gras,” marking the holiday’s arrival to French Louisiana.
* 1703: The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in what is now the U.S. took place in the French settlement at Mobile (then Fort Louis de la Louisiane).
  • That’s why many historians say Mardi Gras in the United States started in Mobile, Alabama , even though New Orleans later became the most iconic Mardi Gras city.

Mobile vs. New Orleans: The Ongoing Debate

  • Mobile’s case:
    • Founded in 1702, with a Mardi Gras-style celebration documented by 1703.
* Developed “modern” American carnival elements like parades plus themed balls hosted by groups (Mystic Societies).
  • New Orleans’ fame:
    • Founded in 1718, it adopted and expanded Mardi Gras with large street parades, krewes, and elaborate balls, becoming the global symbol of the festival.

Simple Takeaway

If you’re asking “where was Mardi Gras started” in the U.S., the historical answer is Mobile, Alabama , but the celebration’s deeper roots are in medieval European Catholic traditions that came through France.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.