A casualty of COVID-19, the 2021 Twelfth Night celebration was postponed from January to July, moved to Roger Scott Athletic Complex and dubbed Carnivale.
For 2022, Pensacola Mardi Gras President Danny Zimmern has announced the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off celebration is back in downtown Pensacola on the newly improved Jefferson Street in the East Garden District, a new urban infill development by Chad Henderson, Founder and CEO of Catalyst.
“The East Garden District is an important project for Downtown Pensacola,” said Henderson, “and we’re super excited that the first street party in The East Garden District will be the Pensacola Mardi Gras Twelfth Night Kick-Off Celebration and Party. This is the official start of the Mardi Gras season and the night we cut the King Cake.”
Krewes are excited to get back downtown, said Katie Garrett, founder of Krewe of Calliope and Old Hickory Whiskey Bar.
“We love the format of the new celebration, and we love the atmosphere of Downtown Pensacola,” said Garrett. “Having the event back downtown and in The East Garden District will be the best of all worlds.”
For the Kick-Off Celebration, Pensacola’s more than 90 Krewes will come together to receive a blessing from Father Nick Schumm, marking the beginning of the 2022 festivities. Floats will be lined up along Chase Street north of East Garden District and the public is invited to party with the Krewes and feel the spirit of the bayou right here on the coast.
The outdoor party includes a concert featuring New Orleans show band, The Chee-Weez — known for their high energy 80’s and 90’s music. Town Crier T. Bubba Bechtol will ensure Krewes are introduced to the community properly, and many public officials we be on hand to celebrate. Admission includes food and two drinks. Additionally, food trucks and beverage stations will be on site. Krewes will be blessed on stage and WEAR TV-3 will be broadcasting the event live.
Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off 2022 and Twelfth Night Celebration
Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 Doors open @ 5 p.m.
East Garden District on Jefferson Street Between Garden Street & Chase Street
Tickets for the public and Krewes can be purchased up until and including day of at the event. For tickets, click here: https://bit.ly/pensacolamardigraskickoff2022
Thanks to those who are making this celebration possible: Visit Pensacola, Kool Graphics, The Lewis Bear Company, SKYY Vodka / Southern Wine and Spirits, Buffalo Rock, Culinary Creations, Blue Runner, Junior Achievement, Catalyst HRE and Chad Henderson, Sunbelt Rentals, Adams Homes and Highpointe Hotels.
