It’s Like Mardi Gras: Carnivale Parade Saturday Afternoon

May 28, 2021

The parade is set, and the krewes are ready for Carnivale Saturday at 2:00 Saturday afternoon..

“We’re recreating the spirit and energy of Mardi Gras with our Carnivale parade,” said Danny Zimmern, president of Pensacola Mardi Gras,. “We’re expecting great crowds on Saturday for this huge parade — everyone is welcome.”

After the singing of the national anthem, the parade kicks off at Garden and Spring Streets with a very special and somber moment as Gold Star Members and Surviving Families are honored during a Memorial Tribute. The Northwest Florida Patriot Guard Riders will escort the special float along the parade route ahead of the Krewes.

Danny is being called the “man who saved Mardi Gras” but he gives the credit to his Executive Director, Amy Newman, and says he and his team just want to give the community an event to remember.

“We do this because it’s for the entire community,” said Zimmern. “Mardi Gras and Carnivale are for absolutely everyone, and that’s why these events and parades are so important. Losing Mardi Gras kept the Krewes from the social interaction that allows ideas and passions for the community to foster. Costumes, building social circles, hearing community needs, coming up with solutions, and guaranteeing a great quality of life for Krewe members, and families who come and make a day of watching are what it’s all about.”

The parade will follow the traditional downtown route from Garden and Spring to Palafox and up to Wright, then south on Palafox to Main.

Comments

7 Responses to “It’s Like Mardi Gras: Carnivale Parade Saturday Afternoon”

  1. Amy Newman on May 30th, 2021 9:02 pm

    We (PMG) went back and forth on this date. The last thing we wish to do is disrespect anyone. So we did what we do best. We reached out to our community. Talked with Dave Glassman who handles the Veterans Memorial Park. Then we met with the Some Of the Gold Star families here and talked with them about what we wanted to do and be respectful to those that have given the ultimate sacrifice. They were excited to be a part and actuality get the chance to educate and become a visual part of the weekend. Before the parade we held a tribute to the all who have fallen. There was a prayer, pledge, national anthem, some gold star family members were escorted (prior to the parade start) by the Northwest Florida Patriot Guard Riders. We don’t do these events for the money. We do these events for the community. We love our community and our military. This was a rescheduled event because of the pandemic. Our Mardi Gras Krewes spend ten of thousands throughout our community. And give back two-fold. Perhaps joining a Krewe and becoming a member you will understand what the Mardi Gras Community bring to this great city we have.

  2. Mary Mattheiss on May 29th, 2021 8:19 pm

    @Paul Pensacola Mardi Gras Krewes DO understand the meaning of Memorial Day, which by the way, is the last Monday in May, not on the Saturday preceding it. One Krewe pictured in this article has every branch of the military represented. Several Krewe members were deployed to Iraq in recent years. I know because I belong to the Krewe & one of the deployed military persons is my husband. He lost battalion members while deployed. He understands Memorial Day very well. Also there were several organizations and even a specially designated Krewe that honors all branches of the military that recognized the fallen in the parade today. Before you go criticizing something about which you apparently know nothing , do your research on what our local Mardi Gras Krewes do to support non profits in our community. You would be shocked at how many thousands of dollars are donated and also hours of volunteer work performed. Our family celebrates Memorial Day by helping support “ Flags In” each year in DC , and we will visit Barrancas cemetery to pay respects to two friends who lost their lives whiles serving their country, and we do that ON MEMORIAL DAY.

  3. Paul on May 29th, 2021 8:28 am

    @J/S.. True, they really don’t understand Mardi Gras either.
    It’s all about the money/greed. I’ll be riding to The Wall South Sunday and visiting my Dad’s grave at Barrancas on Monday. And my Flag is flying in my front yard as always. ;)

  4. JustSaying on May 29th, 2021 7:43 am

    @Paul
    The whole meaning of Memorial Day has been lost! People post pictures of living Veterans, recognize others still living, they don’t honor the true meaning any more!
    Almost like wiping any the rest of the history books! We have days set for all these other events, but sometimes it’s all about the dollar and to cater to everyone! I wonder if there will be a prayer?

  5. Paul on May 29th, 2021 7:06 am

    I wasn’t aware of any parades on the beach but your “Whataboutism” is noted.

  6. Beulahwood on May 28th, 2021 6:11 pm

    In my opinion its a awesome concept. Those who served will be well represented and appreciated. Would like to hear youre opinion on the beach festivities.

  7. Paul on May 28th, 2021 3:13 pm

    I’m Totally against having a festive event on the Memorial Day weekend.
    It’s supposed to be a solemn time to remember the ones who passed serving our Country. Shame on them.