Laissez les bon temps rouler!
I am always a little sad when Christmas ends. We have all this build-up and an advent calendar full of activities, and then BAM! It all ends after a beautiful two days, and the tree and festive decorations vanish a week or two after that.
But then, I remember… IT IS TIME FOR THE GOOD TIMES TO ROLL!
Parades.
Beads.
Crawfish.
Mardi Gras swiftly follows the holly jolly merriment of Christmas, allowing me and mine to vanquish the pity party and prepare for a ….well, a party (or many.)
Mardi Gras is the festive season beginning after Epiphany and ending with Fat Tuesday. It began as a dedicated season of revelry before Lent, which is a season of fasting and penance in preparation for Easter.
Even though many may associate New Orleans or Mobile with the festive celebration (or even argue about who does it better), Pensacola in itself has much revelry of our own. Much of which is family-friendly.
Kids and Kritters Parade
When: Saturday, February 8th (Kiosks open at noon, pre-parade show at 1:30, parade at 2pm)
Where: Casino Beach Parking Lot, Pensacola Beach
Cost: People are free, pets are $10
Details: Anyone is welcome to walk or bring a mini float, but be in costume and bring your own throws!
Ice Flyers-Mardi Gras Night
When: February 1st, 7pm
Where: Pensacola Bay Center
The game night will have parades, costume competitions, and more!
Milton Mardi Gras Krew of Airship Pirates Parade
When: Saturday, February 15th, 2:30pm
Where: Downtown Milton
Cost: Free
Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade
When: Saturday, February 22nd, 1pm
Where: Navarre Beach
Cost: Free
Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade
When: Friday, February 28th, 7:30pm
Where: Downtown Pensacola
Cost: Free
Details: This is a fun nighttime event for the kids; all the floats are lit up, and many look like pirate ships!
Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade
When: Saturday, March 1st, 2pm
Where: Downtown Pensacola
Cost: Free
Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade
When: Sunday, March 2nd, 2pm
Where: Via de Luna to Gulfside Pavillion
Cost: Free
After the floats have passed and the kids are wiped out, if you begin to wonder what to do with all the beads, please do not fret. The Arc Gateway will take all bead donations to sell to local krewes for future events. Find out more here.
