Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration

Once the New Year is here, the real party begins. Friday, Jan. 6, mark your calendars for The 2^nd Annual Wind Creek Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration on the 12^th Night. January 6 is the twelfth night of Christmas and the official beginning of Mardi Gras season.

The night is a night of royalty. There will be King Cake and honoring of last year’s Mardi Gras’ royalty. The celebration is free and open to the public and will involve as many as 20 Krewes. Starting at 4:30 p.m., Palafox, Garden and Government Street will be clear of cars. The party starts at 6 p.m. and streets open again at 1 a.m.

Pensacola Mardi Gras promises that the event will compare to the Grand Mardi Gras parade. Father Jack Gray will be there to bless the Pensacola Mardi Gras season and participants and Mayor Ashton Hayward is scheduled to appear to make a toast and cut the first slice of King Cake.

Remember, this event is just the beginning. Saturday, Jan. 21 is the Pensacola Mardi Gras Marching Madness Parade and Saturday, Feb. 18 is the Grand Mardi Gras parade.