King Mango Strut

As always this parade provides numerous belly laughs as it mercilessly skewers the events of the year. I like to arrive early and get a curbside table at GreenStreet Café and proceed to eat and drink and have an end of year splurge. We always see a lot of friends here, and you never know who you’ll see! As I write this, the mayor of Miami is dining next to me! Among this year’s satire targets were all the 2016 presidential candidates and Steve Harvey for the Miss Universe screw-​up. Afterwards 4 live bands play in Commodore Plaza by GreenStreet including local favorite Mr. Nice Guy. All in all a great way to celebrate between Christmas and New Year’s.

This annual epic event ended with us walking to our cars with a military guy a little bit over the limit marching along behind Adrienne C. while carrying her stuff… right smack bang behind her every step of they way… stopping right behind her when she stopped like she was the General and he was a private, being so respectful of our matriarch of the Unilocaldom, him scolding me along the way to make sure I got her safely to her car. It was like a scene from M.A.S.H.
This year it seemed a little less surveyors and a lot more participants in the parade.
I don’t have much to add from last year other than I love love love this UYE… and a million thousand thanks to the most Unilocalie of the Unilocalers, the Yibbies, George M. and Jennifer M. for getting up early and out there and saving our spot for us. Without people like you, the Unilocal community would be NOTHING.

King Mango Strut 2014
Another year where «the running of the bull-$hitters» make an appearance. Really, they should be running here every year because BS will never end.
This year the King Mango Strut, the parade itself, was a bit wack. The announcer (MC) was a new person (maybe), or maybe the sound system was crap, but the point is that I didn’t hear any announcements, or jokes, and I was a bit lost, to tell you the truth.
I was able to point out Kim Jong-​Un and his team of hackers, that was the more organized group, then the «fearbola» group that was spraying everyone to avoid Ebola, and a mismatch of people protesting the tolls on every major highway (thanks MDX and FDOT).
Props to Charlie Crist and Pope Francis, but not really.
But (t) the one act that really stole the show was the solo act of Kim Kardashian biggest ass-​et breaking the internet. The whole thing is laughable.
Music was provided, courtesy of Iko-​Iko, and a couple more bands that were entertaining enough while playing the blues, and a group of students playing tribute to Led Zeppelin and some other band I can’t remember now. The music is always good.
But of course, the best in the parade, as always, are those Unilocalies that take over that little stretch of Main Highway. If you missed out, next year, 2015, watch the Unilocal Talk or the Unilocal Events for the announcements. Most likely, Unilocalies will be there.
This event is Canadian friendly.
Pitbull’s vodka is harsh, pero «dale».

I’ve been coming to King Mango Strut since I was a little tiny human. My dad is huge fan and was super excited to find out he would be in town for this year’s strut!
We rushed over in the rain over to the strut. Positioned ourselves right in middle of the action and besides the random pro-​marijuana representative, we had a blast!
This is a great concept to Coconut Grove and it gives people a chance to poke fun at all the outlandish stories of the year. This year’s favorite was the ObamaCare band, at least for me. I can still hear them singing «doctor, doctor. Give me a prayer, I got a bad case of ObamaCare!!!

The 2013 King Mango Strut parade in Coconut Grove definitely put the NUT in CocoNUT Grove.
This particular tongue-​in-​cheek parade is designed to be a social commentary on the year’s biggest news stories starring locals.
The parade was started in 1982 as a parody of the annual King Orange Jamboree Parade for the Orange Bowl. After a group of Grove residents, known as the «Mango Marching Band» were denied entry into the Orange Bowl parade due to «unsuitable instruments» such as kazoos and conch shells, they decided to create their own parade. This year, despite the rain, no one was spared… from Duck Dynasty to Rob Ford to Monsanto.
For the third year in a row, the unofficial ROYAL judges evaluated the parade from the comfort of their umbrellas and Candelabras. As Britain’s Princess Kate and Prince William graced the world with a ROYAL baby in 2013, the judges were dressed to embody Britain’s Royal Family. In fact, they even had a member of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service to protect her majesty’s new grandson.
After a grueling deliberation process, the ROYAL judges have narrowed down their winners. The parade contestants were judged by their creativity, relevance, audience response and, of course… their BRITISHness.
The parade’s winners are:
1. Most British = the fab four parody of the «BEATLES»
2. Most Photographed = The Narcissistic Selfie parody
3. Most GREEN = the GMO parody
4. Most Bearded = the Duck Dynasty Parody
5. Most Booed = the Florida Governor Rick Scott Parody
6. Most liquored up = Parody of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford
The Mango Strut’s unofficial Royal judges will be flying back to London after celebrating in Miami for New Year’s Eve. They are looking forward, with delicious, anticipation to judge again in 2014. Britannia may rule waves. However, Coconut Grove’s Mango Strut Parade continues to rule the streets.

The end of 2013 and my 8^th time at the King Mango Strut, always hoot, fun and good reason to party.
It’s the one time of year where everyone gets to strut and swagger the streets of Coconut Grove spoofing out the past year’s events in the most outspoken manner and politically incorrect attire they choose; the more shocking to the conscious, the better. And as far as the fun factor goes, it’s what you make it.

Every year this is such a fun event.
First thank you to Tom and Vanessa for organizing. Theses two really know how to set up. It was super easy to find them as we got their fairly early with our cooler dragging behind us and plenty of snacks. Game was on as more and more people arrived the tables looked like a bar scene. We had food but I believe we kept most of it in bags as the real important stuff had to be put on the tables.
This parade showcases the year of political figures as well as anything or anyone that made headline news. The people that are involved in the parade do a great job of dressing up to the true character and getting the audience involved.
Unilocalers are not shy people I saw Tom and Vanessa out there dancing, Paul, not sure what he was doing exactly but I am sure he was harassing someone. Gina was parading around giving everyone gummy alcohol bears! Michelle W. joined us which was a great surprise and I even saw Tal and our very own CM Johnny came with a bottle in hand.
Fun fun crowd, great parade although it did seem shorter to me this year.
Good times were had, we hung out after wards and you know you had a fabulous time when we got to the parade around noon and got home around 7−8pm. Yep and passed out, hmmm wonder why, LOL

I’ve been lucky enough to be in town this parade for the past few years, and I can tell you that it’s one of the funnest events of the year in the Miami area.
As I understand it, the King Mango Strut parade began when some people were kicked out of the King Orange Bowl parade for being too irreverent and non-​PC. They started their own parade, the King Mango Strut, and they basically parody and satire all the major political and news events from the previous year. They poke fun of a lot of things that made headlines and have a good time doing it. The irony of it all, of course, is that the King Mango Parade lives on, while the King Orange Bowl Parade died out years ago.
As others have mentioned, the parade is much more fun when we’re together as a large group, complete with coolers of «adult refreshments», food/​drink tables set up for our group and recurring treats such as drunk gummy bears and jello shots. Our group also tends to get involved in the parade, interact with the people who are participating in the parade, and this past year, a few even went out into the street and joined in on the «Gangnam Style» dance that the «Ganja Style/​Legalize Florida» group was performing.
In all a good time, and for some reason this event always feels so laid back — Christmas has passed as have all the preparations and shopping for the holidays and King Mango is a chance to stand around and recap the big news events of the past year while having a laugh or two — or maybe a bunch more.

The tradition continues thanks to Tom and Vanessa! Yay! IF it wasn’t for the Unilocalers this year i wuld be giving this parade 2 stars because of the lack of floats and creativity! booooo… sorry King Mango… i hope 2013 will be better! If we have to make some floats then so be it! Challenge accepted ;)
In all honesty we had a great time this year with our fun bunch of peeps and food and drink! The people do make all the difference and it shows. This truly is a great experience for everyone. This event is right up there with Unilocal Dysfunctional Family Picnic and pub crawls (that we miss).
So next year mark your calendars and come on out and celebrate with us!

Overall– Another MUST for every South Florida resident… awesome parade and party in the Grove
Location– In the Grove… the parade takes place from Green Street to Coco Walk then back over to Commodore Plaza
Price– FREE
Details– This parade has taken place in the Grove every year since ’81. It’s basically a satire parade where they let anyone do any float they want as long as they sign up in time. Then, once the parade is over, they keep the Grove closed to traffic and they have a block party with live music. People bring coolers with beer and drinks, blanket and chairs for the parade. Such a great and funny experience. I think my 2 favorite floats were «Real Housewives of Osama» and the «Rick Scott– Your 1% Governor.»
Next year I want to do a float for sure

We keep coming to the same party and every year it gets better and better This year, the Unilocal section was twice as large as years past so we had room to stretch out I wish I would have gotten a spot on the east side of main since when the sun came out it was hot That didn’t stop the good times from pouring all over the street and on to other parties We had tons of food and of course a ridiculous amount of tasty drinks
I wanna thank everyone that came out — Tom, Vanessa, Patrick, NSquared (Nate+Nicole), Will, Jax, Marcos, Esther, Gina and half of Ireland, Anne, Josh, The Asians, Dennis, Hannah, Rony and this is when getting drunk doesn’t help… I’m sure I’m forgetting like 15 friends but you know who you are
See ya next year

Re: The 2^nd Annual Tailgate:
Madu thought you guys partied like a bunch of wild animals.

If we lose our phones and e-​mail crashes you can come find us at King Mango no matter what.
This UYE has cemented itself into my holiday must attends and I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people to celebrate Christmas weekend and the beginning of a new year with.
Food, fun and friends put this satirical look at the year in news and politics over the top (as if the parade needed help).
I am putting in my application to take over the job of the Humor Police once they are no longer able, just sayin.

I am a huge proponent of strutting and The King Mango Strut does it right.
This was my first year at the Strut and I cannot believe I’ve never been before.
Unilocalers are like a whipped cream topping, they make everything better.
It was great to see some of the usual cast of characters. The more I hang out with these folks, the more I love being a Unilocaler.
Boozin’ is something that comes naturally to Unilocal events and this was no exceptions. Four coolersful of liquidy goodness decorated our closed off area with style. I have to say that Jessica’s Mexican Wong Tongs were amaze– bananas! I wouldn’t mind more of those Wongs. And Patricks Infinium beer by Sam Adams had all the ladies’ beggin for more! It was like liquid sex.
The parade was pretty funny as many paid tribute to the years most hyped news stories and debacles.
I personally enjoyed the Shake Weight, Extenze and The Rent is Too Damn High «floats» The humor police was awesome. Those old bitties were a blast!
I can only hope and pray to Baby Jesus that one day, we Unilocalers will be able to join the parade *officially*. We did crash a few of the skits but I believe we enhanced their performances.
I know Unilocalers will bring struttin’ to new heights.
It was epic epicness and the post parade street party in front of the ‘cuda was a hella good time.
So how ’bout it Maria? Unilocalers at the King Mango Strut 2011?
Thanks to George M for organizing and getting in early to save our spot.
Tailgate 2011!!!

Miami gets terribly shafted sometimes.
Let’s be frank and put it all out there… your Aunt Gertie and Cousin Ed livin’ in Alabama have reverentially pigeon-​holed it as a clubland mecca, complete with images of stereotypical Jersey Shore-​esque douche and douchettes dancing and fist-​pumping their way into some imagined SuperVIP table on our balmy shores in their sparkly-​seizure-​inducing Ed Hardy/​Affliction gear and spray-​tanned abs.
I can’t say I blame them — I mean, when I think «Alabama,» strains from the theme of «Deliverance» ring in my ears and visions of trailer parks and Hostess’ Sno Balls dance in my head.
But Miami — much like Alabama (?) — is so MUCH more than that.
Enter: King Mango Strut
It’s no surprise that this satirical parody of a parade runs through what was once Miami’s premier hippie enclave. Rag tag groups of locals band together to poke fun of the biggest and silliest issues that occurred that year. It’s a hilarious spectacle that sometimes leaves your mouth gaping in a «Oh-No-They-Didn’t!» kind of way or occasionally in a «WTF was that all about?» manner.
This year’s parade featured «appearances» by Rick Scott, Vuvuzuelas, Bed Bugs, Tony Hayward/​BP and the parade’s Grand Marshalls Two Pairs of Nuts. Oh… and some *naughty* pat downs by the ever-​so-​wiley TSA («Don’t Touch My Junk!»).
It all wound up at Barracuda’s with a live music jam and plenty of drunken revelry ( Unilocalers…you know who you are!).
What made the parade totally amazeballs for me this year was the Unilocal Tailgate of 2010. Cordoned off with yellow police tape, Unilocalers secured some prime parade real estate in front of The Knife and provided enough food and adult bevies to sustain a small country.
George M., my hats off to you for pulling together such a stellar UYE. Kudos, my friend.
Jessica, your coquito was off the chizz-​ain! I’m having an illicit affair with it as I type this (bad coquito… BAD!).
And whoever made those twice baked chicken packets… there’s a special place in heaven for you — just know that.
And who drank all the Sweet Tea vodka?! Oh wait… that was me. ‘Til next year!

This was my first King Mango Strut… and I have to say… I had a blast… it helps to bring the crowd with the Unilocalish attitude and smörgåsbord of munchies with you… and the Humor Police brought legitimacy to event!
There were some interesting floats — you can tell that the participants really thought out their presentation — and brought their witty-​licious ‘tude to the party… bed bugs and Pen — i? still trying to figure out the plural to that word ;-) other floats were relevant… but a bit redundant.
There were maybe one or two «huh?» moments. the Humor Police appropriately scored them with WTF!!! LOL
The parade organizers were not stuffy at all and let us participate without charging a fee/​or kicking us out of the parade when our own Unilocalers jumped into the line of fire. hooting…getting patted by TSA and performed their impromptu song and dance…(to be seen on Youtube and channel four)
Then there was the band… what was their name? They rocked… we followed them to Barracuda for the after parade party — where some of our own Unilocalers took over the stage with their backup singing and dancing!
This is a recommended activity to everyone visiting Miami… and a must for everyone living in Miami.
One Unilocaler’s very important suggestion… bathroom planning… the fountain… man use the fountain LOL
Thanks Unilocalers for making this parade the place to be the day after Christmas!

This is probably one of the more irreverent parades in the country. I’ve been coming to this for many years — I had a habit of dropping by on the bike and watching. This year, I did it right, watching from front and center with a group of juiced-​up Unilocalers.
The Strut is a parody of larger bloated parades like the Rose Bowl Parade and especially the defunct Orange Bowl Parade. The closest thing you’ll get to a traditional parade «float,» however, is a trailer decorated on a low budget, pulled by a Hummer. It’s irreverent and silly, and that’s the whole point. If it happened during the year and was newsworthy, you’ll see a parody of it in the parade. Some years are easier and more obvious than others. This year, the Teabaggers (err, Tea Partiers) graced us with their presence, as did Rick Scott, who made me want to chuck a tomato at him before I remembered that this is all in fun. There were vuvuzelas, instantly reminding me of watching World Cup matches over the summer. We even laughed at Tony Hayward of BP — tar balls were thrown around and dolphins were fed from oil-​filled baby bottles. Even the sacrosanct Chilean Miners got in on the fun!
Even after quite a few years of existence, this is still a low-​key locals-​type event. There’s always a comfortable crowd, but I’ve never seen it slammed — and that’s fine with me.

King Mango Strut is a parade in Coconut Grove filled with satirical groups poking fun at the years most controversial political and cultural events.
This parade is good for a few laughs, and joining some Unilocalers this year certainly made it even more of a hoot. Five stars for the people! The streets are lined with onlookers in their own costumes or sporting some wild accessories. We sat across from these two old broads in colorful shirts, drinks in hand, calling themselves the Humor Police.
Most of the groups in the parade were hilarious. The Run of the Bullsh#*!ers was probably my favorite this year making fun of a gamut of things from politics to the Brett Favre sexting scandal. Ha!
The parade had a slow pace, but still very entertaining between gaps because of the silly attendees!

The King Mango Parade can best be described as CNN taken on laughing gas. As others have pointed out, it’s an intellectual /​humorous satire of the past years events. Watching it with fellow Unilocalers — and some of us joining in the parade at various junctures — made it that much better! A big thanks goes to George M. for organizing the Unilocal contingent for the fun madness.
Foodwise, a review by a dessert fiend like me would not be complete without giving credit to Vanessa S.‘s Nomnomnom French Toast. On the savory side, my faves were Jessica C’s Mexican Wontons and Ozzy R.’ s pizza. Whoever broought the Jeremiah Weed sweet tea flavored vodka gets best in show, as it provided a perfect ice breaker to start the show.
Scene highlights include our Welcoming Committee, the Humor Police. They were proof that age is but a number and if Unilocal had existed in the 40s or 50s, they would be Elite! During the march itself, we got to see «Brett Favre» offering his cellphone number, Guver’ner Rick «Ross» Scott and his money bag and certain illegal «aliens». Miami Unilocalers even unofficially closed out the parade with our own «Don’t Stop Believing» flash mob!
After the parade proper, a couple of us continued the fun for a bit enjoying a cover band at Barracuda playing bluegrass/​jazzy versions of popular tracks, such as a funked-​up «Gin and Juice»

Miami isn’t known for being zany smart. Oh, but on the last Sunday of the year there is a small glimmer of weirdness better known as the King Mango Strut.
A parade designed to be a social commentary on the year’s biggest news stories starring locals. Some years there are many active participants and floats, some years it’s less rowdy. But there is always that fun feeling of a Sunday afternoon spent surrounded by friends and sharing laughs watching a parade go by in a city that too often takes itself so seriously.
We need more parades, more clever commentary, more streets filled with laughs, more free entertainment, more homegrown goodness.