The Maids of Jubilee, in Fairhope, was the first ladies’ parading group to form in the Eastern Shore region of south Alabama. Since the organization’s founding in 1985, it has grown significantly, boasting over 400 members today. In most ladies’ groups – at least in Mobile – there are male marshals on horseback or no marshals at all. The Maids of Jubilee, however, have female marshals on horseback. Or, sometimes, on a camel.
In South Alabama, by the way, “jubilee” does not mean “a special anniversary.” No, around here, a jubilee is an infrequent phenomenon that occurs when the waters and the winds are just right, and all the fishes in the shallows are rendered almost comatose. Word gets out quickly, and folks come and simply scoop up all the fish they want.
This year’s theme is “Out of this World: A Galactic Glow Adventure.” The parade features 10 outer space-inspired floats such as “Avatar,” “Space Jam,” “ET,” “Star Trek” and “The Jetsons,” by float builder Craig Stephens’s Carnival Artists, plus marching and truck bands. Costumes are by Bienville Costumes.
In 2025, MOJ paraded on Feb. 28 at 6:45 p.m. Their theme was “Bucket List.” The parade included 10 floats, designed by Mark Calametti and built by Craig Stephens’s Carnival Artists. Costumes were by Bienville Costumes.
