Say Mardi Gras and most Americans immediately think of New Orleans.

Pensacola, however, is another gulf coast city with a thriving Mardi Gras tradition that is one of the oldest and largest celebrations in the country.

Although first organized in 1874, the city’s Mardi Gras parades have been held annually the weekend before Fat Tuesday since the early 1900s.

As in Mobile, Pensacola revelers are known for tossing moon pies from Mardi Gras floats, along with traditional beads, candies, and coins.

Each year the celebration culminates with the crowning of King and Queen Priscus during the Priscus Procession and Ball on Fat Tuesday. Named after Tarquinius Priscus, a Roman king and lover of revelry, this event harkens back to Pensacola’s first Mardi Gras, which was organized by the Knights of Priscus Association.

Information provided by the Florida Division of Historical Resources, a division of the Florida Department of State.