Mardi Gras revelers in Mobile, Alabama. Courtesy of Michelle Stancil

February 15, 2019
By Sonja Lother
Here at the historic Malaga Inn in Mobile, Alabama we continue to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year—Mardi Gras. There are many special moments that our guests enjoy as the season unfolds. For us, these moments include family and friends, parades, music and fun.

Friends, family and fun abound at the Malaga Inn in Mobile, Alabama, Photo via The Malaga Inn.

A FAMILY TRADITION

"We have many families that return to the Malaga Inn year after year to enjoy Mardi Gras celebrations," says Jordan Beem, owner and director of operations. "In fact, there's even a tradition of families passing down Mardi Gras hotel reservations to the next generation through their will because we offer a first right of refusal to our repeat guests."

FRONT ROW FOR PARADE ROUTE A

It's an honor that guests clamor to obtain (or inherit) because of the Inn's proximity to the Mobile Civic Center. "Parades line up behind our hotel and most process directly in front of us as they follow Parade Route A through Mobile," Jordan says.

From their vantage point, Malaga Inn guests can gather quite the haul of beads and throws along with photos, videos and memories to last a lifetime as colorful grand floats, Krewe members, and bands make their way down Church Street.

KEY ROUTE A PARADES
According to the Mobile Mask—your guide to all things Mardi Gras—key parades on Route A roll by the Malaga Thursday, February 20 and include the Mystic Stripers Society at 6:30 p.m. On Friday at 6:30 p.m. the Crewe of Columbus and Krewe de Secondline roll.

On Saturday, beginning at noon enjoy the Floral Parade, Knights of Mobile, Joy of Life, Mobile Mystical Ladies, and Order of Angels parade.

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The Malaga Inn Courtyard, where the Queen of the Mystics of TIme receives her toast. Photo via The Malaga Inn

A TOAST TO THE QUEEN AT THE MALAGA INN COURTYARD

The afternoon festivities then move directly to the Malaga Inn for a tradition-steeped moment.
"We are delighted to host the ceremonial toast to the Queen of the Mystics of Time in the Malaga Inn courtyard on Saturday from 3:30 to 4 p.m.," says Jordan.

He shares that during this historical ritual, the queen stands in her Mardi Gas regalia and crown on our third-floor balcony overlooking her subjects as many toasts are offered. In years past, the King and Queen have stayed at the Malaga Inn as well, he says.

Queen of the Mystics at the Malaga Inn, Mobile Alabama

The Queen of this year's Mystics of Time receives her champagne toast. Photo via Michelle Stancil.

Tuland Marching Band at the Malaga Inn, Mobile Alabama

Members of Tulane University's Marching Band serenades the 2020 Queen of the Mystics of Time Krewe during Mardi Gras. Photo via Michele Stancil.

Following the toast, plan to head over to Route H and watch the always noteworthy Mystics of Time parade which begins at 5:45 p.m.

SUNDAY FUN DAY PARADES

Sunday's not to be missed Route A parades start at 2:30 p.m. with the Joe Cain Procession (throw me some Moon Pies, mister!) followed by Le Krewe de Bienville at 5 p.m. On Monday, (Lundi Gras) the King Felix III, Floral parade begins at noon. Then at 7 p.m., head over and find a spot on Parade Route F to watch the Infant Mystics and Order of Doves roll.

Fat Tuesday at the Malaga features live music in the Courtyard.

FAT TUESDAY MUSIC AND MERRIMENT

Of course, Fat Tuesday is the grand culmination of all things Mardi Gras and at the Malaga Inn, Beem hosts guests and patrons of Mayme's Bar in the courtyard area with live music provided by John Cochran and the Truck Stop Prophets.

Two bar stations are set to so that patrons can grab their favorite beverage or cocktail quickly and easily. The band will play from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Fat Tuesday is one of my favorite days of the year at the Malaga Inn," says Jordan smiling. "We get to see people enjoying themselves in the courtyard and on the balconies, filling this place with laughter and music while creating lifelong Mardi Gras memories. To me, there's nothing better than that."

A full listing of parades taking place on Fat Tuesday can be found here.

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Mobile, Alabama's Ice Box Bar with owners Stoney Boatman and Taylor Atchison. Photos via The Ice Box Bar/Y'all Folks Agency

OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO--THE ICE BOX BAR

Jordan also has a few recommendations for places to enjoy during your stay. "I'm excited about the Ice Box bar on Monroe Street. They have great beers and fantastic craft cocktails in a really unique space."

The newly opened spot is located in the Church Street East Historic neighborhood just eight blocks from the hotel. Stoney Boatman and Taylor Atchison are the co-owners--Taylor fixed up the historic old "Crystal Ice" factory and made it into The Ice Box. Stoney previously has managed The Garage (a dive bar fixture on the Mobile scene) for 20 years. Go play one of their pub games or enjoy some live music while you are in town.

LAS FLORIDITAS, MOBILE'S LATEST HOTSPOT

Interior of Las FLoriditas. Photo (c) Courtesy of Las Floriditas

A new recently opened dining option is Las Floriditas, located in the basement of the RSA Trustmark Building at 107 Saint Francis St. in downtown Mobile. It's modeled as a tribute to El Floridita in Havana, Cuba, a haunt much beloved by acclaimed writer Ernest Hemingway.

In addition to classic drinks like the Cuba Libre, and original pina colada, enjoy the abbreviated menu of tapas and light entrees along with desserts to die for. We suggest the Trio of Mousse featuring chocolate Cuban coffee, key lime, and hibiscus or the Guava Flan, classic Cuban guava flavored custard with caramel and guava sauce. Mmmm-mmm.

Las Floriditas spotlight by the Malaga Inn

Dessert and beverage options at Las FLoriditas. Photo (c) Courtesy of Las Floriditas

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The Mobile Carnival Museum offers a wide variety of mementos. Photo via Sonja Lother

MARDI GRAS MEMORIES FROM THE MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM

And for more Mardi Gras memories Jordan suggests that guests plan to stop into the Mobile Carnival Museum during their stay. "It's just a wonderful jewel in our city and the fact that it's less than a block from the Malaga Inn is a wonderful coincidence. It's a great place to learn about our rich history and buy some great souvenirs to take home."

So, plan to enjoy all that the Malaga Inn has to offer during this wonderful season. And no matter what, Laissez les bons temps rouler or, "let the good times roll!"

Let Malaga Inn be your Mobile, AL home away from home! Malaga Inn is conveniently located in Historic Downtown Mobile, offering 39 custom tailored, private rooms and suites that combine modern comforts with classic, Southern living. Book your room at Malaga Inn now before we fill up!