Mystic society

A mystic society is a Mardi Gras social organization in Mobile, Alabama, that presents parades and/or balls for the enjoyment of its members, guests, and the public.

[1] Mobile's parading mystic societies build colorful Carnival floats and create costumes around each year's themes.

[1] Mystic societies in Mobile give formal masquerade balls, known as bal masqués, which are almost always invitation only and are oriented to adults.

[1] Attendance at a ball requires that a strict dress code be followed that usually involves full-length evening gowns and white tie with tails for invited guests, and masked costumes for society members.

[2][5] The Cowbellions got their start when a cotton factor from Pennsylvania, Michael Krafft began a parade with rakes, hoes, and cowbells.

The Infant Mystics, the second oldest society that continues to parade, introduced the first electric floats to Mobile in 1929.

Following the lead of the little-known Krewe of Pan and Apostles of Apollo, societies comprising members of the city's gay and lesbian community, the Order of Osiris held its first ball in 1980.

[2] The Conde Explorers were founded as a parading mystic society in 2004, with the express mission of being open to all races and both genders.

It reveals Mobile's Carnival preparations and celebrations, the beauties and joys, as well as the complex racial history of the city and its mystic societies.