Florida Mardi Gras 2008

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 2008, Mardi Gras falls on February 5.

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 2008 takes place at Universal Studios, every Saturday night between February 2 and April 19 where you can experience authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine including Catfish, Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, read beans & rice, beignets 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 "Discovering Utopia" and there are floats that represent the mythical lands of classic stories, as well as the original Mardi Gras floats direct from New Orleans.

Each night there is a special live concert featuring world famous acts including Smokey Robinson and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. The provisional concert schedule is:

The acts for April 5 and April 19 are still to be announced.

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 J.J. Caillier and The Zydeco Knockouts (February 2), Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers (February 9), Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives (February 16), Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hell Raisers (February 23), Chris Klein and the Boulevards (March 1), Bryan Lee and The Blues Power Band (March 8), Rockin Jake (March 15), Soul Project (March 22), The Kevin O'Day Band (March 29), Jumpin Johnny Sansone (April 5), Mem Shannon and the Membership (April 12) and Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers (April 19).

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 $46.95 (plus tax) which admits you to Universal Studios after 5 pm. Florida residents can get a $10 discount with any Coca-Cola® classic or Diet Coke® product.

Alternatively if you want to see all the concerts then consider an Annual Power Pass for $99.95 (plus tax).

Pleasure Island

It is expected that Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney will celebrate Parti Gras from 7 pm until 2 o'clock in the morning but as yet, no dates have been announced.

In previous years, you could 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.

Pensacola

In the north, in Pensacola, there is a parade at 2pm on February 2 in Downtown Pensacola. This will be preceded by a number of other celebrations including various parties and balls.

Hollywood

New Orleans comes to Hollywood near Fort Lauderdale in South Florida with New Orleans style music, food and parades on February 2 and 3 in Downtown Hollywood. The entertainment then moves to Hollywood Beach Broadwalk for February 4 and 5.

Live music concerts are featured on two separate stages. Expected artistes include Terrance Simien, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Marcia Ball, Sunpie Barnes and the Louisiana Sunspots, Marcel Anton, Oriente, CB Pope and the Hot Java Dixieland Band.

Panama City

One of the earliest Mardi Gras celebrations takes place at Panama City, organised by the Krewe of Massalina. The theme for this year is "Majestic Bayou Carnivale".

Celebrations start with a kick-off Block Party in Downtown McKenzie Park on Friday, January 18 with live entertainment from local band The Healers. On Saturday, January 19 there are events throughout the day including arts & crafts, southern cuisine including gumbo, the parade and live music. In the evening there is a concert featuring other local bands, Hard Times Blues Band, and Slap Ruthie.

In nearby Saint Andrews, Mardi Gras for 2008 is on January 25 and 26 and the parade is expected to draw a crowd of at least 80,000 spectators.

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 1. 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 March 6 to 9, for the whole family including Schweers Midways 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, The Reverend Danny and Sister Blues Rock'n Blues Revue plus there is a Saturday night street party and parade featuring 50 floats, junkanoo bands, stilt walkers and dancers.

Leesburg

At Leesburg, north of Orlando, the two day free 11th Annual Party in the Street is on February 1 and 2. There will be Cajun and festive food, carnival, bands, street performers, a pet parade and kids' parade plus the Main Street parade. Live entertainment acts include Rodney Thibodeaux & Tout Les Soir, Funky Blues Messiah, PJ Leary Las Vegas Sounds and Bobby Blackmon.

Contact Us  •  RSS Feeds

site, content and services © Copyright 2005-2008, FloridaReview.co.uk

Photo Credits  •  Site Map  •  Terms & Conditions