Let The Good Times Roll!

Pensacola Mardi Gras Parades, Parties & Balls

by Morgan Cole

It’s Mardi Gras season once again, and while New Orleans is typically considered to be the epicenter of this festive pre-Lenten celebration, our neighbors in Mobile were actually the first to host Mardi Gras (aka “Fat Tuesday”) in the United States. The tradition originally dates back to the French settlers who founded Mobile in 1702, a decade and a half before New Orleans existed. Today, Mobile’s Mardi Gras season, the oldest in America, stretches for months, kicking off in November with festive balls, krewe events and more.

In 1874, the Pensacola community saw all the fun being had in Mobile, and decided to host their own Mardi Gras. Now, more than a century later, the Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand

Parade serves as one of the largest celebrations along the Gulf Coast, drawing some 6,000 participants and nearly 100,000 spectators each year.

The Pensacola Mardi Gras season officially kicks off on the first Saturday in January with a festive street party hosted along downtown’s historic Palafox Place, complete with a reverse parade and plenty of colorful krewe members. The season runs through Fat Tuesday, with tons of festive celebrations and parades occurring non-stop throughout the city.

“The energy among Pensacola’s 90 plus Mardi Gras Krewes is higher than ever. That energy is translating into a growing community that is energized and excited for the 2023 Mardi Gras Season,” Pensacola Mardi

Gras President Danny Zimmern said. “Balls, parades and special events centered around Mardi Gras have had record attendance so far this year and we can’t wait to celebrate the rest of the 2023 season.”

Unlike many other parades, our local Mardi Gras boasts a more welcoming and family-friendly environment. While Pensacola Mardi Gras Inc. acts as a central hub and sponsors some of the season’s biggest events, it takes a village to make Mardi Gras happen. Pensacola is home to more than 100 krewes — social groups that form to celebrate the season — that help organize and participate in the annual parades. Pensacola’s Mardi Gras krewes have membership bases ranging from a handful of people to hundreds. A number of local businesses and organizations also support and take part in the Mardi Gras festivities by sponsoring, volunteering or hosting events throughout the season.

So, for those who thought Mardi Gras was something that was only celebrated in New Orleans, you’re in for a treat because nobody does Mardi Gras quite like we do in Pensacola.

If you’re looking to indulge in some fantastically fun revelry this Mardi Gras, there’s no shortage of options in the Pensacola area. We’ve brought you details on upcoming parades, balls and events happening throughout the Pensacola area to help you get the most out of this year’s Mardi Gras celebration.