FAVOR: Gift or souvenir given by a Mystic Society member, usually at a bal masque, often depicting the years’ theme.
DOUBLOON: die struck, usually aluminum, coins bearing the society emblem and current theme. Thrown by maskers and highly collectible
MARSHALL: A mystic member who rides masked and costumed on horseback between floats during a parade throwing trinkets from his saddlebag.
COSTUME DE RIGUER: The formal attire required for those attending a bal masque held by a mystic society. Generally white tie and tails for gents and full length gown for ladies.
MOON PIE: First thrown by Mobile mystic societies, this traditional marshmallow cookie has become a staple throw over the decades here and elsewhere.
BOEUFF GRAS: French, literally ‘Fatted (Gras) Ox (Boeuf)’. Traditional 16th Century Pre-Lenten feast first observed in Mobile in 1703
CORONATION: The formal event surrounding the king’s crowning of his queen. The public is welcome by ticketed admission.
FLOAT BARN: The warehouse in which a mystic society stores and builds its floats.
CALL OUT: The presentation of favors by Mystics or Royalty to honor those in attendance, usually in exchange for a dance
KING CAKE: The traditional ring shaped pastry iced with purple, green and gold (sugar). The finder of the hidden king baby gives the next king cake party.
TABLEAUX: A themed performance taking place at a bal masque involving skits, plays, music and choreography mystics are the players
BARRICADES: Fencing designed to keep revelers a safe distance from the heavy parade floats.
DEN: The term used to describe the secret meeting place of a Mystic Society.
BAL MASQUE: (pronounced ball mask) The formal masked ball of a mystic society
MYSTIC SOCIETY: A secret organization that presents parades, bal masques, and other activities for the revelry and enjoyment of all.