Get out your purple, gold and green masks, beads, to-go cups and goodie bags. It’s time to let the good times roll on the Georgia coast.
Mardi Gras in Georgia
Carnival season is the traditional time to indulge before Lent begins. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the last day of the celebration. Each year, Mardi Gras falls 47 days before Easter. That date for 2020 is Feb. 25.
However, Tybee Island’s celebration takes place the Saturday before Mardi Gras, so mark your calendar for Feb. 22 to enjoy all the food, fun and festivities. The good times get off to a groovin’ start at noon with an island-style street party at the intersection on South Beach. Entertainment includes street performances, Cajun-style food and plenty of fun for everyone.
The Mardi Gras Parade rolls at 2 p.m., from Memorial Park along Butler Street to Tybrisa, with floats, marching bands and lots of beads (hence the need to bring a goodie bag). A costume contest is held after the parade, and winners are named the Tybee King and Queen of Mardi Gras.
If you’re not in the mood for a parade, you can still savor the flavors of a traditional Mardi Gras. Head to The Original Crab Shack for crawfish or raw oysters on the half shell. Or, hit up Bubba Gumbo’s for, well, their gumbo to start things off. Dive into some peel and eat local shrimp, or a fried oyster po-boy for your entree. A-J’s Dockside http://ajsdocksidetybee.com also serves gumbo and po-boys, so you’re pretty much set for scrumptious dining.
There’s plenty of room for the whole crew when you book a large Tybee Island home like the Diplomat Home, which sleeps nine, or the Ocean View Modern with four bedrooms, four and a half baths and a heated pool.
Get ready for a good time with a beachin’ Mardi Gras in Tybee Island!
