“Mardi Gras” is a French term meaning Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras refers to the carnival celebration.
Mardi Gras is a celebration prior to the fasting season of Lent and its origins go all the way back to the ancient Romans. Today the tradition is carried on in cities such as Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana, and of course Rio de Janeiro.
Other names for Fat Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Dollar day. The actual date for 2009 is February 24th.
You can experience our own coastal version of Mardi Gras on Tybee Island or in historic downtown St Marys.
Mardi Gras Tybee
Tybee Island is celebrating Mardi Gras for the first time this year.
Purple, gold and green flags will dress up Tybee Island for the Mardi Gras celebration. Mardi Gras Tybee kicks off with a Fantasy Masquerade Ball on Friday, February 20th at 8pm, hosted by Fannies on the Beach. The King and Queen of the event will be chosen at the Fantasy Masquerade Ball by costume contest and bring your best looking cocktail cup for the Best Krewe Cup Contest. On Saturday, there will be a Mardi Gras parade at 3pm down Butler Avenue and a street party with music and festivities on Tybrisa Street. Join the fun, listen to authentic Zydeco music featuring Brad Randell and the Zydeco Ballers, Buddy Kosic’s New Orleans Dixieland Jazz Band and Bottles and Cans. Admission to the street party and parade viewing is free. Tickets for the Fantasy Masquerade Ball can be purchased online at www.mardigrastybee.com
Mardi Gras St Marys
This is one of the most popular annual festivals in St Marys. Everyone comes downtown to view the Mardi Gras parade and catch beads.
The Mardi Gras Festival includes a parade and live entertainment on Saturday, February 21st.
For more information, please call St Marys Convention and Visitors Bureau at 912.882.4000 or visit www.stmaryswelcome.com