Pensacola Mardi Gras 2013
All around the world, Mardi Gras festivities herald the celebration of excess before the traditional time of fasting in the Christian season of Lent. Each city and country has its own variation on the revelries, from the beads and parades of New Orleans to the dancing and music of Rio de Janeiro. The city of Pensacola, Florida is famous for its family-friendly celebrations of this joyful season. Pensacola Mardi Gras 2013
The next “Fat Tuesday” falls on Tuesday, February 18th, 2012; and, in Pensacola, the fun begins on January 5th and lasts through February.Wind Creek 12th Night Celebration
- Jan 5 - 6
- Jan 18 - 29
- Feb 8
- Feb 9
- Feb 12
Pensacola Mardi Gras Events
There are actually four Mardi Gras parades in Pensacola every year, and every one of them is held on a weekend in January or early February. There’s a walking parade down the beach for children and pets, a lighted parade with a pirate theme, a Grand Parade, and a final parade to close down the celebrations.
The Grand Parade generally has more than 200 floats and more than 100,000 spectators, most of whom stick around in the city’s historic core for the after party.Pensacola’s white-sand beaches are the perfect place to celebrate. Instead of alcohol, the excess in Pensacola comes in the form of beads and marshmallow moon pies. The beachfront restaurants offer special Mardi Gras dishes, including the colorful and traditional King Cake .
There are also many elegant balls staged in Pensacola in January and February, a number of which act as fundraisers for the Mardi Gras parades. Whether it’s a black tie affair or a costume ball, a good number of these fancy events are open to the public and are a great reason to get all dressed up for an evening of cocktails and dancing.
Pensacola Accommodations
If you are considering a family vacation to Pensacola, the Mardi Gras may be the best time to visit. Pensacola vacation rentals provide more room and privacy for family and friends than hotels, and they often cost less. Avoid the loud crowds of New Orleans, visit Pensacola and bring the kids for a real celebration of Mardi Gras that everyone can enjoy!
The Background of Mardi Gras in Pensacola
The roots of Mardi Gras go back to the late 17th century, when French settlers began coming to the Florida Panhandle as part of the original Louisiana Territory (before they burned the city down and fled the Spanish). Formal Mardi Gras celebrations began in the late 19th century, with parades, costumes and floats.Today, the Pensacola celebrations put the emphasis squarely on family fun. While other cities may be famous for their late-night parties and distinctly adult-themed entertainment, Pensacola makes sure its Mardi Gras celebrations are fun for everyone.
