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May is always an exciting time of the year for me, not only because it’s my birthday month (hint, hint), but because it’s the perfect time of year for reading outside, grilling out, long waterfront jogs, and generally seeing the city burst to life. Despite the ever-closing gap between my current age and 30, I’m in the habit of indulgently celebrating my birth all month long. This May brings plenty of party to Downtown Pensacola, and you’re cordially invited to join the fiesta.

Not to keep talking about myself, but my birthday is on May 5, otherwise known as Cinco de Mayo or the Battle of Puebla Day. While you may find plenty of Corona specials on this day (which are offensive because Corona is terrible), there hasn’t been a true Downtown Cinco de Mayo celebration…until now! This year Palafox will host a festive celebration of Latino culture, food, music and more! Read page 28 for the details.

Also in the first week of May is the annual Fiesta of Five Flags Crawfish Festival. I definitely have a little bit of  bayou blood in my veins, because I love ripping into a freshly boiled, spicy crawdad and sucking his juicy little brains out of his head. This freshwater treat will definitely be on my b-day weekend menu, and I’ll be burning off the excessive mudbug calories at the Fiesta 10K on Saturday morning and dancing to some Cajun beats that night. See all the Crawfish Fest has to offer on page 14.

May 17 will bring another edition of Gallery Night. Last month I made a point to get Downtown early to see everything I could, walking down Palafox and Government checking out art booths and galleries, tasting a juicy pork taco at Al Fresco and grabbing a cold beer or two to cap off the evening. Quit dillydallying and get Downtown at 5 to get the most out of Gallery Nights!

For even more art, stroll through the juried art show Art in the Park, presented in Seville Square May 11-12. With a multitude of artists and the picturesque backdrop, this show makes for a perfect warm weather outing in Downtown Pensacola. Turn to page 22 for the story.

Last year we heard that it would be the final season for Evenings in Olde Seville, an announcement that left me heartbroken. This staple of  Downtown was a free fun mainstay, and a tradition in my family since childhood. Well, it’s back! There’s a new organization behind it but it’s the same event you’ve come to know and love for the last 25 years.

So grab a blanket and meet me out there. Birthday or not, May is brimming with awesome events and good times throughout the month.  So, you coming? Respondez s’il vous plait!

Questions? Comments? Story ideas? Please email Emily Lullo at Emily@ballingerpublishing.com.

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