It was a day like any other on the sunny shores of Pleasure Island—where the Gulf breeze rolls in like it’s late for happy hour but still trying to act cool about it. The fishermen were bragging about their latest catch, and the smell of freshly prepared seafood drifted from Zeke’s Landing, making it hard to resist grabbing a bite. On this picture-perfect February evening, as the sun painted the sky in shades of pink and orange over Cotton Bayou, a band of dreamers hatched a plan that would change the island forever. And thus, the Mystics of Pleasure were born—the island’s first-ever nighttime Mardi Gras parading society.

This wasn’t just any Mardi Gras Krewe. No, sir. In their first year, they pulled off not only a parade but a full-blown formal Mardi Gras ball. (Because why not do it all, right?) Now, 25 years later, this wild ride of mystic revelry rolls on the Saturday night before Fat Tuesday with 17 floats, each one inspired by the charm of the Old South and the endless wonders of the Gulf of Pleasure.

And then there’s the Calvary—dressed to the nines in authentic costumes, roaring down the parade route on Harley-Davidsons that rumble like the cannons of Fort Morgan itself. These guys don’t just show up—they arrive in style, and they’re here to let you know the Mystics of Pleasure mean business.

But this Krewe doesn’t take a break when Mardi Gras ends. Oh no, they stay busy year-round with events that are the stuff of legend: from the Drawdown to the Poker Run, and of course, the mouthwatering Taste of the Island. It’s a carnival of fun, and these Mystics know how to keep the good times rolling.

The parade? Well, it’s not just any parade. It’s a full-blown Mobile/New Orleans-style Mardi Gras bash, with marching bands, classic cars, fire trucks, and other Krewes from far and wide, all rolling down Perdido Beach Boulevard. We’re talking more than 200 masked revelers, starting at Phoenix West and REMAX Paradise, making their way down to the intersection with Highway 161.

And let’s not forget the crown jewel—the Queen of the Mystics, leading the charge, followed by past queens, because what’s a Mardi Gras parade without a royal procession? The motto here is simple: Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll!) And roll they will, with over 10,000,000 beads, stacks of Moon Pies, stuffed animals, and enough toys to make Santa jealous.

This year’s theme? “Making Mardi Gras Great for 25 Years.” And trust us, after 25 years of mystical merriment, the Mystics of Pleasure aren’t just making Mardi Gras great—they’re making it unforgettable.