Safety tips

MOBILE, Ala. - Courtesy of Mobile Convention & Visitors Bureau

Make your hotel reservations early
People begin making reservations a year in advance. Don’t delay. Click here to download the MBCVB Lodging Guide.

Get Your Mardi Gras Guide
This must-have item can be picked up at the Fort Conde Welcome Center. It includes a complete parade schedule, routes and starting times. Plus, interesting facts and trivia about Mardi Gras and they make great souvenirs.

Pick your spot
Just like early hotel reservations, people pick their "parade watching" spots early. If you want a good view, get there early.

Put your foot down before you put your hand down
If a throw ends up on the ground near you and you want to pick it up, put your foot on it first, and then reach for it to avoid enthusiastic revelers.

Stay behind the parade barricades
They are there to keep everyone safe. Tractor pulled floats, marching bands, dance teams, and mounted horse troops need to be able to watch where they are going and not watch out for excited spectators running out in the street. The police take this very seriously to ensure your safety.

Have a central meeting place and time for your group
If you've come to Mardi Gras with friends or family chances are that at least once during the visit some of you may want to go see one thing and others see something else. If you split up, have a central meeting place.

Keep children close at all time to enjoy the festivities
Mardi Gras in Mobile is family oriented. However, if you bring your children to Mardi Gras keep them close to you at all times.

Take a tour
In between parades, take a local tour to soak up the true essence of what Mobile is like without all the revelry of Mardi Gras. Visit Fort Conde Welcome Center for more details on local events, tours, and attractions.

Ask your concierge or tour desk for suggestions
These guys know best. It’s their job, so take advantage of their hospitality.

The Mobile Police Department are stationed for your safety
Drunk driving laws are strictly enforced. Use of controlled substances will land you in jail. Mobile has one of the safest Mardi Gras in the world. The MPD has handled Mardi Gras for over a century.