Fiesta Pensacola has notified the Mayokis that the it will no longer hold a Landing Ceremony or formally send its court to the Mayoki Ball or pub crawl.
Why? Fiesta wrote, “Fiesta’s tacit endorsement of Mayokis presents a public relations, reputational and potential financial risk to Fiesta that we are no longer willing to bear.”
The fictitious Mayoki Indians tribe has taken part in Fiesta Pensacola activities since 1961. The all-White group dresses up in feathered headdresses, skimpy outfits and war paint and parades around town during the Fiesta activities. The Fiesta court traditionally has been met at Quietwater Beach by the Mayoki court the Saturday before the Fiesta Coronation Ball.
Many have questioned the appropriateness of non-Native people wearing dressing in costumes, mimicking tribal dances and using Native American-sounding names. In the past, at least, one business banned the group from “raiding” their office because of complaints of harassment made by female employees. The joke was the Mayokis thought their real identities were hidden when in costume.
The Fiesta board did state that the Mayoki “royalty” will continued to be presented at the Fiesta Coronation Ball. However, they are requested to wear formal attire in lieu of Mayoki costumes.
The letter closes, “Our friendship goes back over 60 years, and we all want that to continue. We hope that everyone in your organization can understand why we are making this decision. We value you and are not suggesting you change. We simply must control what is best for Fiesta.”
Read Mayoki Letter.
Bring back the Chumuckla Redneck Parade!
Those were authentic rednecks and acted like it, too! lol
People come to Pensacola because the city has made a tremendous effort to host safe, fun and entertaining events. Inserting political correctness into a this event is just culturally destructive.
It’s a festival. Folks dress up like characters that are not real.
Are you going to go to Orlando and get rid of Mickey Mouse because he’s not a real mouse?
Get over it. Go to the festival. Have a beer and have a good time. If you don’t like the Mayorki, then skip the landing, but don’t spoil things for everyone.
Will the Spaniards be represented by people of Spanish heritage, or just trying to appear PC?
https://www.fiestapensacola.org/foundation I wonder how many of the mostly very White people dressed up in funny costumes in the 2022 pictures at the link are of Spanish or Indian ancestry like the DeLuna Expedition members? My DNA ancestry includes some Spanish (Venezuela), Native American (North American & Andean) and African-American (Senegal). Maybe you should have to take a DNA test to be part of the Court of DeLuna. The City of Pensacola should reexamine its relationship to the Fiesta of Five Flags Association.