Annual event spoofing politics, current events and celebrity culture will take to the street of downtown Coconut Grove on January 5
A reveling crowd of Grovites – and perhaps a few others who wish they were – assembled Wednesday at Barracuda Taphouse & Grill on Fuller Street for the official unveiling of the 2025 King Mango Strut parade poster.
These year’s theme, as expressed by Grove artist Sofia del Rivero: Peace, Love and Mangos.
“My poster shows a girl with a vibrant expression and having fun,” explains del Rivero. “I used lots of vivid colors and of course a mango is prominently displayed.”
Carl Levin, a Coconut Grove architect and president of King Mango Strut, says the theme was chosen after brainstorming sessions with event organizers and del Rivero, an accomplished painter who operates Grove-based Art Box, a workshop for aspiring artists.
“There’s enough conflict and division in the world today, and the King Mango Strut is all about bringing people together in a fun and wacky way,” says Levin. “Hence the Peace, Love and Mangos theme.”
Many within the crowd cheered as the poster was unveiled and lined up for prints signed by del Rivero. “I love what she’s created because it represents exactly what the King Mango Strut is all about: showing our love for the Grove and the community,” said Michelle Moyano.
Another attendee, Stephanie Kepley, agreed: “A beautiful woman holding a mango adorned with a crown. It’s just perfect.”
Coconut Grove has long played host to some of Miami’s most popular outdoor events such as the Goombay Festival, Coconut Grove Arts Festival and Coconut Grove Bed Race. After a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the historically irreverent King Mango Strut re-emerged last year and organizers expect a strong turnout among participants and audience members for this year’s event.
“If you live in the Grove, you’re a little wacky by nature,” says Levin. “The King Mango Strut is a wonderful opportunity to bring Miamians together, celebrate what we have in common and have a great time doing it. There’s no shortage of talent as far as float participants go, I can assure you. We’re going to have childless cat ladies, an Olympic pole vaulter holding a huge salami in his hands and a baby oil slip-n-slide.”
FIU professor and longstanding King Mango Strut emcee Nathan Kurland says it’s the zaniness and satirical aspect of the event that he most enjoys.
“You’ve got to have a sense of humor in life and there’s plenty of funny, real-life material out there,” says Kurland. “We’re having a float with a buffet of dogs and cats…you can’t make this stuff up.” The 41st King Mango Strut 2025 will take place on Sunday, January 5 at 2:00 p.m. For more information and to participate, visit kingmangostrut.org.