By Lori Jimerson Raines • photography by John Fitzhugh

The spirit of carnival is definitely in the air on Biloxi’s Seal Avenue. Beyond the exhilaration of the parades and grand balls, this street celebrates Mardi Gras with a unique bash that’s all its own.

Though houses here always were adorned, the community’s festive flair really came alive after Katrina’s wrath. As residents rebuilt and undertook major remodeling projects, they realized that this neighborhood had cause for celebrating life and culture. And so the tradition matured — and continues to grow — each Mardi Gras season.

Homeowners consider themselves lucky to live on picturesque Seal Avenue. They enthusiastically share their bedecked homes this time of year with fellow residents, friends and family. Embellished banners and party flags sway in the breeze and elaborate wreaths decorate entryways. The charming side of carnival’s appeal is evident everywhere.

The route for the Gulf Coast Carnival Association’s Mardi Gras parade bisects the avenue twice. So this section of Seal is a natural choice for gathering families and friends. Keen revelers snag throws on the parade’s first pass along U.S. 90. There is plenty of time to grab a snack from the kitchens and backyards boasting aromatic and delicious party spreads before heading north for the parade’s crossing at Seal and Howard avenues. Overflowing crawfish pots only begin the feasts along this street. Grilling begins early in the season, and the abundance lasts until Ash Wednesday. Residents prepare their own specialty dishes and welcome taste tests from neighbors. Sugary king cakes are the desserts of choice.

Residents Cotton and Darlene Fore celebrate this magical time at their Seal Avenue second home. After a long renovation, the Fores eagerly opened their doors in the spirit of carnival as a tribute to their reconstructed home, life and mind-set.

Stephen and Barbara Lyons have celebrated carnival on Seal for more than 30 years. A longtime owner of one of Biloxi’s jewels, a home built in 1902, the Lyons decorate the house annually in glittering golds, dazzling purples and vivid greens. Friends are welcomed into the party atmosphere and invited to join in the revelry.

The Rider family is host to a breakfast party the morning of Fat Tuesday. Jimmy and Sara, who moved to the street in 1992, love the ambiance of the area. The Riders also coordinate monthly dinners for the neighbors and celebrate holidays together. But Mardi Gras is definitely the most entertaining gathering on Seal Avenue.

At the end of the day, and the close of Mardi Gras season, residents already are devising plans for next year’s merrymaking, sure to be more spectacular than the last.