By Tammy Smith
Mardi Gras parades have been canceled across the Coast, but that doesn’t mean everything purple, green and gold is missing from 2021.
The city of Biloxi announced Dec. 30 that parades won’t roll through the city’s streets this year.
“With much consideration given to the status of the coronavirus today in our community, it should be no surprise that we announce the cancellation of the parades scheduled for February 2021,” Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said.
On Jan. 4, Krewe of Gemini officials announced they are canceling both of their parades, which traditionally roll in downtown Gulfport, after meeting with Mayor Billy Hewes. There will be no parades in Gulfport for the Mardi Gras season, Hewes said.
And on Jan. 5, the Carnival Association of Long Beach said members had opted to not hold a 2021 parade.
Although the parades are off, the Gulf Coast Carnival Association continues to plan for its annual 5K run on Feb. 6 in downtown Biloxi. Both a one-mile fun run and the 5K will begin and end at the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum. Registration is at http://www.msgcca.org/5k-run. GCCA also isn’t letting Mardi Gras 2021 go without a theme and T-shirt. This year’s theme is “For the Love of Mardi Gras,” with a design featuring words dear to Mardi Gras fans encircled by beads forming a heart.
The Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum has announced a Yardi Party Contest and Laissez Le Bon Temp to Geaux. The Yardi Party Contest will award a Mardi Gras prize basket to the most festively decorated business and residential yards on Feb. 15. Laissez Le Bon Temp to Geaux Mardi Gras baskets are filled with a king cake and other goodies to celebrate the season safely at home. Contact the museum at (228) 314-4747.
Speaking of king cakes, south Mississippi bakeries are in full production of the sweet treats. Visit or contact your favorite one to satisfy that craving. That king cake can be the finale of a Carnival celebration at home featuring your favorite parade snacks or fresh Gulf seafood – whatever puts you in the seasonal spirit.
So let the good times roll, even if they are scaled back this year. Krewes across South Mississippi are vowing to make 2022 an especially memorable Mardi Gras.