Biloxi celebrates 325 years on Mardi Gras

Biloxi celebrates its birthday on Tuesday, Mardi Gras day, during the Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade in Downtown.

The city turns 325 years old on Feb. 13, 2024, the anniversary of Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville first setting foot on the shores of present-day Biloxi.

“We are celebrating with, what else, a birthday cake,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said. “Since Biloxi’s birthday falls on Mardi Gras this year, we had a huge cake designed to commemorate the day and to lead the parade.”

The grand three-tier birthday cake measures 6 feet wide by 7 feet high, is made of wood and foam, and is decked out in purple, green, and gold. It was created by Blom’s Creative Signs.

For the occasion, Biloxi trivia and fun facts will be displayed at Biloxi City Hall and the Biloxi Visitors Center as well as online at biloxi.ms.us.

As for the Gulf Coast Carnival Association Parade, more than one hundred floats, marching bands, and others will be part of the Mardi Gras day parade that begins at 1 p.m. Biloxi Police will begin closing roadways at 11 a.m.