The Pirates of the Panhandle

This February, the streets of Panama City and Panama City Beach will once again transform into urban seas where giant floats from local Mardi Gras krewes sail the streets, their pirates, wenches, and dazzling royal courts sending beads and trinkets into the hands of thousands of merrymakers.  

Mardi Gras invites over-the-top fantasy fun during the two weeks before Lent sets in on Shrove Tuesday—February 17 this year. And the Panama City region, perhaps touched by their proximity to New Orleans’ glittering spectacles, has for 40 years put on its own unique Mardi Gras parades.

Emerald Coast Magazine chatted with the St. Andrews Krewe of Panama City and the Krewe of Dominique Youx from Panama City Beach—two “pirate krewes” who put a high-seas twist on Mardi Gras festivities due to their coastal locale. From their expert advice, here are seven ways to explore and join in the fun.

1 Explore the Krewes

“Social clubs with a purpose” might be the right phrase to describe a hardworking Mardi Gras krewe. Krewes are like fraternities and sororities, bound by the dual purpose of charitable giving and the joy of having fun together. And fun is certainly to be had.

In a pirate krewe like Dominique Youx (which is mainly an all-male club, though Wright notes there are four independent women’s floats), everyone appears in full pirate regalia. The “royalty” (think homecoming court) consists of a King Youx, his queen consort, and six pirates and their princesses. The announcements of the king and queen, chosen by the board of directors, are kept secret until the last minute. Youx Krewe historian Trey Hutt remembers his time as king fondly. “I sword fought in the street with kids, presented checks to various charities, sat on a throne at the balls, and got to role-play to all the crowds,” Hutt says.

2 Bring on the food

Given that pirates were inseparable from the sea, fresh seafood is essential at any pirate Mardi Gras. Many of the famous pirates were also French, therefore necessitating steaming crawfish etouffee, beignets, and po’boys on French bread. Throw in some traditional Cajun gumbo, jambalaya, and a mighty piece of King Cake, and you might want to celebrate Mardi Gras all year long.

3 Wave at the floats 

Pam Wiggins, president of the coed
St. Andrews Krewe, proudly says their krewe puts on the biggest event in Panama City. St. Andrews’ floats have themes ranging from The Polar Express to The French Connection, plus a recent technical marvel. “Our newest is a steampunk [theme], where we wear Victorian costumes aboard a futuristic ‘steam-powered’ train,” Wiggins says. 

And both the Youx Krewe and St. Andrews Krewe show off their floats all year long. Wiggins says her krewe will “parade in Lynn Haven, Springtime Tallahassee, DeFuniak Springs, Pensacola, and many smaller celebrations from the Fourth of July to Christmas.” 

4 Grab some doubloons

Nothing says Mardi Gras like the flash of a green, gold, and purple beaded necklace grabbed mid-air. The tradition symbolizes festivity and goodwill, and legend has it that good fortune will follow those with the most beads. Wright says that membership dues, sponsorships, and Tourist Board assistance allow some krewe members to “spend $1,000 on beads just for the fun of tossing them to the crowds.” Coin-size aluminum doubloons, on the other hand, are Krewe-specific mementoes and popular collector’s items.

5 Dance to the music

Arriving before, after, or amid the floats are the bands. Get down to Zydeco from the Louisiana bayous, jazz bands with plenty of brass, rhythm and blues originals, and even New Orleans jazz funeral music. No matter what’s playing, you’ll be dancing in the streets.

6 Get all dressed up

Not just the krewes can arrive in costume! From the traditional jester’s hat to a quirky shrimp costume, there are endless ways to dress the part for Mardi Gras. Pirate attire is a safe bet; tricorn hats, boots, and silk-sleeved shirts make up the classic uniform, or don the unconventional pollera dress. When in doubt, you can dress according to Mardi Gras’ traditional colors: Green symbolizes faith, gold symbolizes power, and purple symbolizes justice. Mix and match for a festive and meaningful outfit. 

7 Bring the Little Ones

If the grown-up elements of Mardi Gras aren’t quite suited for the littlest ones in your life, not to fret. The Panama City Beach Pet Parade and Children’s Parade are excellent family-friendly options. Everyone will love seeing animals in costume strut their stuff (and win prizes along the way), and kids can ride or peddle nonmotorized floats while scrambling for beads along the way.

Les bons temps rouler for you and yours, and may your “bead box” ever grow!