Gulf Coast Carnival Association

Gulf Coast Carnival Association traces its roots back to 1908 and Biloxi's first Mardi Gras parade, which included 1950 Mardi Gras

17 floats, 150 flambeau carriers, the new 12-piece Herald Newspaper Band, a grand marshal, the mayor and the councilmen. The monarchs were the first King d'Iberville and Queen Ixolib.

Eight years later, The Biloxi Carnival and Literary Association was incorporated. Its purpose: "to promote the study of literature and particularly Greek mythology; to give an annual carnival and street pageant in the City of Biloxi, Mississippi, by artistic floats representing Greek mythology and historic events."

2007 GCCA Parade

In 1929, the Biloxi celebration expanded to include other Coast cities, and around 1949 the Biloxi Carnival and Literary Association became the Gulf Coast Carnival Association. Biloxi's Mardi Gras has been celebrated every year except for war and Depression years.

Today the Carnival Association continues the tradition begun years ago, with King d'Iberville and Queen Ixolib reigning over parades in Biloxi on Fat Tuesday.