Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick Off on the 12th Night
2025 Pensacola’s Mardi 12th Night Celebration
As we gear up for the 2025 Mardi Gras season, it’s hard to believe that it’s already been 14 incredible years since the inception of the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration. What started as a humble idea has blossomed into one of the most anticipated events on Pensacola’s social calendar, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come!
Looking back on that chilly and misty Thursday night 14 years ago, we could never have imagined the overwhelming support and enthusiasm that our Krewes and community would bring to the table. With just 10 floats and a couple of radio station vans scattered along a few blocks of South Palafox Street, we took our first steps into what would become a beloved tradition.
Fast forward to 2024, and the growth of the Kick-Off Celebration is nothing short of phenomenal. With 40 floats now gracing the streets and our footprint expanding to include Government and Zarragossa Street, it was clear that our event had truly outgrown its humble beginnings.
Of course, with growth comes change, and over the years, we’ve had to adapt to ensure that the celebration remains accessible and enjoyable for all. One significant change was moving the event from its original date on Twelfth Night (January 6) to a Friday or Saturday. Although we had to bid farewell to the traditional date, the spirit of the celebration remained as vibrant as ever, prompting us to rename it the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration.
As we embark on our 14th year, we’re filled with gratitude for the support of our community, the dedication of our Krewes, and the enduring spirit of Mardi Gras that brings us all together. Here’s to another unforgettable celebration and many more years of joy, camaraderie, and good times ahead!
The New Orleans Ramblers
Get ready to feel the rhythm of New Orleans pulsating through the streets of Pensacola once again as the renowned New Orleans Ramblers lead our processionals and Second Line around Jefferson Street and Government Street! The sounds of traditional New Orleans music and the infectious beat of the second line will set the stage for an unforgettable kick-off to Pensacola’s Mardi Gras season.
As the New Orleans Ramblers fill the air with their soulful melodies, the streets will come alive with the vibrant energy of the second line, inviting revelers to join in the joyous procession. It’s a celebration like no other, where the spirit of Mardi Gras bridges the gap between cultures and communities, uniting us in a shared love of music, dance, and tradition.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Throughout the procession, you can expect plenty of 2nd line band marches, each one adding to the infectious rhythm and energy of the event. One of the highlights will be the classic 2nd line escort of the costumed Krewes to their destination, where they will be blessed by Father and local dignitaries, including elected and governmental officials.
This special blessing ceremony is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the community’s support and recognition of the Krewes’ dedication to upholding the Mardi Gras spirit. As each Krewe is blessed, they will receive a customary certificate, acknowledging their commitment and authorizing their blessed participation in the Mardi Gras season.
King Cake
Step into the magical world of Mardi Gras tradition as we kick off the festivities in true style with the beloved tradition of King Cake! As the clock strikes 12 on Twelfth Night, marking the official start of the Mardi Gras season, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked King Cake fills the air, beckoning revelers to gather and indulge in this delicious treat.
As part of our cherished tradition, we’ll be unveiling our special King Cake sponsor (stay tuned to our Facebook page for the big announcement!), whose delectable creations are sure to delight the taste buds of all who partake.
And here’s the best part – King Cake will be served free of charge to everyone who joins us for the celebration! But hurry, because this sweet treat is as irresistible as it is popular, and it won’t last long once the slicing begins. So grab a slice (or two, or three – we won’t judge!), raise a toast to the start of Mardi Gras, and let the good times roll!
More event DETAILS (the fine print):
The official Kick-Off will begin inside Seville Quarter at 5 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 6th. Floats will be parked on Jefferson St. south of Romana St. all the way down to Zaragoza, and Government Street between Palafox and Tarragona Streets.
After opening ceremonies with the Royal Processional, a Second Line Processional of Royalty will walk the float route and bless the floats.