Organized in 1954 at the home of one of its founding members, the Order of Athena is the only ladies’ group that parades in Mobile on Fat Tuesday, and it has the great honor of opening the festivities in the city on that big day. Arrive early, and you can catch Athena’s foot parade to their floats that morning.
This year’s theme is “Athena Goes to the Movies, Featuring Wicked Women.” Queen is Debbie and emblem is Sissy. Expect 10 floats, built by Rhonda Odom McCullough, depicting villains such as Cruella de Vil, the Queen of Hearts, Black Swan and Bellatrix Lestrange. There are also two kids’ floats rented from Neptune’s Daughters, dance groups and truck bands. Costumes are by Bienville Costumes.
In 2025, Athena paraded on Mardi Gras Day, March 4, at 10:30 a.m. Their theme was Mystical Scenes and Peacock Wings. The parade included 10 floats, built by Rhonda Odom McCullough, as well as three rented floats. Costumes were by Bienville Costumes.
