Canadian World Traveller Spring 2018 Issue

70
.: Meet Mobile, Alabama
Article and photography by Jennifer Merrick
New Orleans has a cousin, and her
name is Mobile. She’s cool and
quirky, artsy but down-to-earth,
and has a love of fun times and good food
that is true to her French roots.
Located 150 miles east of New Orleans on
Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Mobile (pronounced
Mo-beel and not like a type of phone) has a
shared history with the Big Easy. French-
Canadian brothers established both
colonies, and Mobile was the capital of
French Louisiana in 1702 and part of New
France for over 60 years.
Despite a (mostly) friendly rivalry, the cousin
cities have a lot in common, first and foremost:
Mardi Gras
“Throw me something, mister!” is the call
heard on streets during the two weeks leading
up to Ash Wednesday as revellers line the
streets to watch the floats pass by and catch
some goodies. (MoonPies are the treat of
choice, but more about that later.) And while
New Orleans may appear to have a monopoly
on the parades, bead throwing and wild
antics, the celebration, in fact, started in
Mobile in 1703. The festival continues to
play an important role in the city’s cultural
heritage and is just a whole lot of fun.
“But not in a girls gone wild kind of way,”
explained Cartledge W. Blackwell, curator at
the Mobile Carnival Museum. “It embraces
all generations and is a family event.”
Though Blackwell does acknowledge that
alcohol is consumed in large amounts.
To understand the significance of Mardi Gras
in Mobile, and grasp the scope of preparation
required for this annual event, be sure to
visit the museum. The artistry and customs
surrounding the two-week festivities are fas-
cinating and beautiful, especially the intricately
designed trains worn by the kings and
queens of the carnival.
“It’s all about the art,” said Homer McClure,
one of the city’s dressmakers who creates
these elaborate robes. “And it’s just magical
to watch the parades,” continued McClure,
explaining how each of the mystic societies
build new floats each year. “Unlike New
Orleans who use the same floats,” he
added, unable to resist a dig.
So besides Mardi Gras, what else do these
Gulf Coast cities have in common, you ask?
Love of good food is the answer.
Upon arrival in Mobile, I went out to grab
some lunch at a food truck parked close to
our hotel. Knowing that I’d be eating a lot of
food in the next few days, I decided to order
a salad. The ‘salad’ turned out to be taco