Exciting events through the entire month!
Mardi Gras Bead Recycling Program
We will collect discarded, unused beads from the community and surrounding areas and
educate guests on the proper disposal to reduce the number of beads that end up in landfills
and waterways, potentially harming wildlife. Collected beads will be donated to a local
organization to support their programs.
MSAQ will partner with local businesses as casinos, schools and more to have collection
points on their facilities.
Guests will be able to drop off their beads into a recycling container on the MSAQ plaza from
February 2nd to March 1st from 10am-4pm for the duration of the campaign.
One of a Kind Mardi Gras Costume Displays
MSAQ will host a special exhibition in collaboration with the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras
Museum.
Throughout the aquarium, we’ll be displaying several authentic, one-of-a-kind Mardi
Gras costumes.
These pieces are on loan from the museum in Biloxi and represent the deep
cultural history of the Gulf Coast’s Carnival season. These aren't store-bought outfits; they are hand-crafted works of art, often featuring thousands
of hand-sewn beads and sequins.
Each costume tells a story of local royalty and the specific
"Krewes" that make our Mississippi celebrations unique.
Note: The costumes will be animal themed!
Mardi Gras Mask Activity
This is a hands-on station where guests, especially families, can interact and get creative
making their own traditional masks.
Themed MSAQ Sails
Sails will be scheduled to be purple, gold and green during the month of February.
Campus Decorations
We are transforming the grounds with festive Mardi Gras decor to create an immersive
atmosphere for everyone who walks through our gates.
Mardi Gras Music all across campus
Expect to hear a playlist of upbeat Mardi Gras classics playing across the entire campus to
keep the energy high throughout the day.
Special themed enrichment for Habitats
Our animal care team will be introducing Mardi Gras-themed enrichment items to various habitats,
providing our animals with festive mental and physical stimulation.
Limited time Photo Ops and Photo Backgrounds
We will set up dedicated photo stations with themed backdrops so guests can capture and
share memories of their day.
Exclusive Discount for the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum*
As part of our partnership, guests can receive a special discount to visit the museum in Biloxi
to learn more about the history of Carnival on the Coast. Also, guests visiting the museum will
get a special discount to visit the aquarium.
Purple, Green, and Gold Animal Spotlight
We are highlighting specific residents that naturally showcase the traditional colors of Mardi
Gras: purple, green, and gold.
- Golden Trevallies – Aquatic Wonders
- Yoda, the Green Moray Eel – Aquatic Wonders
- Poison Dart Frogs – Changing Tides
- Purple Urchins – Changing Tides
- Banner, the Green Sea Turtle – Aquatic Wonders