Mardi Gras is full of traditions

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Before they roll through the streets of downtown Mobile, the Knights of Revelry have a ritual. The members of the organization follow the Folly out of the auditorium and onto the floats. The riders let their children have a chance to throw a few beads too, before dad rides away.

Mardi Gras is a tradition in itself, and Fat Tuesday has some of it's very own. Food is one of those traditions parade goers take very seriously.

We found several groups of people cooking up some carnival treats.

"We have been down here all morning, lunch in the room and burgers on the grill," one Mardi Gras goer said.

"Been here since 4:00 a.m., I have cooked wings, chicken, hot dogs, and sausage," a reveler said.

"We got a little chicken wings over here going throw 'em on the grill. Got to take care of the people down here on Fat Tuesday," another reveler said.

The Fat Tuesday crowd is estimated to be in the thousands. But, all of those strangers have one thing in common when it comes to Mardi Gras: They love beads, moonpies, and the bands.