Florida Mardi Gras 2007

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday) has been celebrated in the Southern states for centuries, particularly in Louisiana, Alabama and of course Florida.

As its name suggests, it is always on a Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, as a precursor to Lent and is always 47 days before Easter Sunday. In 2007, Mardi Gras falls on February 20.

You don't have to go to New Orleans to immerse yourself in Mardi Gras, there are plenty of places in Florida to celebrate Mardi Gras

Universal Studios

One of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in 2007 takes place at Universal Studios, every Saturday night between February 3 and April 14 where you can experience authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine including Catfish, Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo and Andouille Sausage.

You can listen to the authentic sounds of the Big Easy and watch a special Mardi Gras parade with 13 authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras parade floats when multi-coloured float riders and stilt-walkers throw strands of beads and doubloons into the crowds as they pass in true Mardi Gras tradition.

This year the parade theme is "The Seasons" and some of the floats represent the changing seasons.

Each night there is a special live concert featuring world famous acts including the "Queen of Disco", Donna Summer. The provisional concert schedule is:

In the French Quarter Courtyard, you will feel like you are strolling down Bourbon Street with a special Louisiana music program during the early evening.

Confirmed acts include Jumpin' Johnny Sansone (February 3), T-Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers (February 10), Brian Lee and The Blues Power Band (February 17), Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives (February 24), Lil Malcolm & The House Rockers (March 3), Big Sam's Funky Nation (March 10), Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers (March 17), Chris Klein and the Boulevards (March 24), Lil' Brian and the Zydeco Travelers (March 31), Mem Shannon & the Membership (April 7) and Soul Project (April 14).

The Mardi Gras celebrations and concerts are included in the standard park admission plus you get free admission to Universal CityWalk including Pat O'Brien's which is an exact replica of the famous New Orleans bar, so you can party away until 2 o'clock in the morning. The rides remain open until normal park closing time.

If you just want to turn up for the evening entertainment then you can purchase a special Mardi Gras ticket for $44.95 (plus tax) which admits you to Universal Studios after 5 pm. Alternatively if you want to see all the concerts then consider an Annual Power Pass for $119.95 (plus tax).

Pleasure Island

On February 16, 17 and 20, Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney celebrates Parti Gras from 7 pm until 2 o'clock in the morning.

You can enjoy special street entertainment including live jazz bands, jugglers, face painters and Mardi Gras stilt walkers, lots of beads and doubloons plus authentic New Orleans Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Outdoor events are free but admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket.

Outdoor events are free but the Pleasure Island nightclubs charge a cover fee.

Pensacola

New Orleans comes to Hollywood in South Florida with New Orleans style music, food and parades from February 16 to 18 at Downtown Hollywood.

Live music concerts are featured on two separate stages. Expected artistes include Bill Wharton, J J Caillier, Papillion, Oriente, The Amp Band, Charmain Nevilla Band, Reggie Sears and the Riverside Dixieland Jazz Band. The entertainment then moves to Hollywood Beach Broadwalk for February 19 and 20.

Hollywood

New Orleans comes to Hollywood from February 24 to 26 at Downtown Hollywood and then from February 27 to 28 at Hollywood Beach Broadwalk with New Orleans style music, food and parades.

Panama City

One of the earliest Mardi Gras celebrations takes place at Panama City, organised by the Krewe of Massalina.

Celebrations start with a kick-off Block Party on Friday, February 2 with live entertainment from local band Slap Ruthie. On Saturday, February 3 there are events thoughout the day including arts & crafts, southern cuisine including gumbo, the parade and live music. In the evening there is a concert featuring another local band, The Jokers.

Lake Wales

A free two day Mardi Gras Music Festival featuring Jazz, Zydeco and Dixieland plus a Mardi Gras parade, arts & crafts, Cajun food and street musicians starts on February 17. Over 50,000 people are expected.

Celebrations end on Fat Tuesday with the Coronation Ball.

Cocoa

The Space Coast Mardi Gras festival is a four day event from February 22 to 25, for the whole family including midway rides, games, pet contest, food, concessions and live entertainment at the picturesque Cocoa Riverfront Park.

Free entertainment takes place at the Riverfront Park Amphitheatre including a concert by Gary U.S Bonds and there is a Saturday night street party and parade featuring 50 floats, junkanoo bands, stilt walkers and dancers.

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