Pensacola Mardi Gras and Publix are excited to present the 2025 Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration, a one-of-a-kind event, will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, starting at approximately 5:00 PM with the opening ceremony slated to begin at 6:30 PM in Phineas Phoggs inside Seville Quarter. Ceremonies inside of Seville Quarter will include the introduction of dignitaries, high-energy Mardi Gras sounds from The New Orleans Ramblers, and dancing to lively hits throughout the night.
This year, 35 floats and Krewes will be staged along Palafox and Jefferson Streets, awaiting the Second Line Blessing Processional. Father Nick Schumm will lead the blessing of each Krewe and float, joined by dignitaries and Krewe Royalty. The Town Crier will proclaim each Krewe’s official entry into the Mardi Gras season, wishing them a safe and successful 2025 celebration.
Dignitaries and Royalty
Dignitaries invited to participate in the Royal Processional include Mayor D.C. Reeves, Fire Chief Craynor, Police Chief Randall, Sheriff Simmons, as well as State Representatives Michelle Salzman and Alex Andrade, County Commissioners, City Council members, and special local celebrities. Presiding over the festivities are Pensacola Mardi Gras 2025 King and Queen Priscus, King Tony Vance and Queen Dorrian Vance, from the Krewe of Cheers.
A Unique Mardi Gras Celebration
The Kick-Off Celebration is unlike any other, offering a “parade in reverse” experience. Floats will be parked along the route, allowing spectators to get up close, meet Krewe members, and admire the intricate float designs. Beads will be flying, so bring your family and friends to join the fun! Visitors can also enjoy multiple food and gift vendors on Government Street between Palafox and Jefferson. Downtown’s restaurants and clubs will be open, welcoming guests throughout the night. Pensacola Mardi Gras will host a Sponsors Reception upstairs in Phineas Phoggs at Seville Quarter.
Processional Route and Festivities
After the opening ceremonies, The Royal Second Line Blessing Processional will gather in the street in front of Seville Quarter, then travel north along Jefferson Street, and will move to Palafox Street with the The Royal Second Line Blessing Processional headed south. This carefully planned route ensures a seamless blessing ceremony and lineup. Floats will be staged strategically for ease of movement by the Krewes and public, and the Processional will culminate on the steps of the Old Courthouse at Government and Palafox. Here, the City-Wide King Cake cutting, provided by Publix, will take place. Krewe royalty and dignitaries will gather for the official Mardi Gras season photo, Downand the community is invited to enjoy a piece of King Cake to mark the official start of Mardi Gras 2025.
Street Closures and Schedule
- 3:00 PM: Streets begin closing
- 4:00 PM: Full closures for float setup
- 5:00 PM: Krewe members join floats
- 6:30 PM: Ceremonies begin inside of Seville Quarter
- 11:00 PM: Streets expected to reopen
