<P> The masked balls or dances, where non-masked men wear white tie and tails (full dress or costume de rigueur) and the women wear full length evening gowns, are oriented to adults, with some mystic societies treating the balls as an extension of the debutante season of their exclusive social circles . Various nightclubs and local bars offer their own particular events . </P> <P> Beyond the public parades, Mardi Gras in Mobile involves many various mystic societies, some having begun in 1704, or ending with the Civil War, while new societies were formed every century . Some mystic societies are never seen in public parades, but rather hold invitation - only events for their secret members, with private balls beginning in November, each year . </P> <P> The Mobile Mardi Gras season starts in November, with exclusive parties held by some secret mystic societies, then New Year's Eve balls . It has become closely entwined with the social debutante season for certain families . Other mystic societies begin their events at Twelfth Night (January 6), with parades, balls (some of them masquerade balls), and king cake parties . </P> <P> During the last two weeks before Mardi Gras, at least one major parade takes place each day in the city . The largest and most elaborate parades take place the last few days of the season . In the final week of Mardi Gras, many events large and small occur throughout Mobile and the surrounding communities . </P>

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