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Gulf Shores Today
By the People, for the People
Gulf Shores Hosts Record-Breaking 47th Mardi Gras Parade
The coastal celebration featured over 50 entries, including marching bands and floats, drawing thousands of spectators.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Gulf Shores, Alabama celebrated its 47th annual Mardi Gras parade on Fat Tuesday, marking several firsts for the event. The parade returned to Highway 59 for the first time since 2020 and featured a record-breaking 50+ entries, making it one of the largest parades in the city's history. Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the 30-minute parade, which included marching bands, double-decker floats, and participants throwing traditional Mardi Gras items to the crowds.
Why it matters
The Mardi Gras parade is a long-standing tradition in Gulf Shores, drawing both local residents and visitors to the coastal city. The record-breaking participation and attendance this year signifies a resurgence of the event after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The details
To boost participation, Gulf Shores removed parade entry fees, relaxed qualifications for entering, and reduced insurance requirements this year. These changes resulted in the increased number of entries that city officials had hoped to achieve. Miss Alabama 2025, Emma Terry of Leeds, participated in her first Mardi Gras celebration as part of the parade.
- The parade took place on Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- The parade returned to Highway 59 for the first time since 2020.
The players
Emma Terry
Miss Alabama 2025, who participated in her first Mardi Gras celebration as part of the parade.
Gulf Shores
The coastal city in Alabama that hosts the annual Mardi Gras parade.
What they’re saying
“I'm so excited to be in Gulf Shores. First Mardi Gras parade. First Mardi Gras experience, so a very special experience, definitely.”
— Emma Terry, Miss Alabama 2025 (WALA)
The takeaway
The record-breaking participation and attendance at Gulf Shores' 47th annual Mardi Gras parade demonstrates the enduring appeal of this coastal celebration and the city's ability to adapt and revitalize the event after pandemic-related disruptions.
