Coconut Grove

King Mango Struts its stuff in Coconut Grove. Take a look at ‘the weirdest parade’

By Carl Juste
Playing the roles of Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog, Susan Kinder, left, and Rafael Mayfield, right, along with their troupe of satirists poke fun of the Summer Olympics.
Playing the roles of Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog, Susan Kinder, left, and Rafael Mayfield, right, along with their troupe of satirists poke fun of the Summer Olympics. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com

Self-described as “The Weirdest Parade in the Universe,” the King Mango Strut has been poking fun at current events with wacky costumes and wild signs on the streets of Coconut Grove for decades.

The King Mango Strut started in the 1980s as a parody of the King Orange Jamboree Parade, which celebrated college football every year until it stopped running in the 2000s.

The parade has since evolved into a community tradition. The website says the annual Strut attracts more than 10,000 attendees “who never lost touch with its eccentric, bohemian roots.”

But what exactly makes the parade so “weird”? Take a look.

Fake breakdancer Kat Sitton, center, got down but needed help getting up as she and her troupe made light of the Summer Olympics.
Fake breakdancer Kat Sitton, center, got down but needed help getting up as she and her troupe made light of the Summer Olympics. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
The Alexander brothers are satirized as the vibrant and quirky 41st Annual King Mango Strut Parade made its way through the Grove.
The Alexander brothers are satirized as the vibrant and quirky 41st Annual King Mango Strut Parade made its way through the Grove. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
City of Miami proposition of tree removal in favor of developers, is addressed by paraders.
City of Miami proposition of tree removal in favor of developers, is addressed by paraders. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
A 21 year-old Moluccan salmon-crested cockatoo dances to the music.
A 21 year-old Moluccan salmon-crested cockatoo dances to the music. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
School of Rock students dance as fellow students play while the vibrant and quirky 41st Annual King Mango Strut Parade made its way through the Grove.
School of Rock students dance as fellow students play while the vibrant and quirky 41st Annual King Mango Strut Parade made its way through the Grove. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
A Virgin Island Mocko Jumbies dancer get the crowd engaged.
A Virgin Island Mocko Jumbies dancer get the crowd engaged. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Andrea Isaac, right, dances with her daughter Valentina Isaac, 3, left, while Virgin Island Mocko Jumbies stilt dances warm-up before the parade.
Andrea Isaac, right, dances with her daughter Valentina Isaac, 3, left, while Virgin Island Mocko Jumbies stilt dances warm-up before the parade. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
The Brightline railroad crossing accidents are the target of one group.
The Brightline railroad crossing accidents are the target of one group. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Tammie Brooks, left, adjusts the costume of Racine Bonelli, right, while prepping for the 41st Annual King Mango Strut Parade.
Tammie Brooks, left, adjusts the costume of Racine Bonelli, right, while prepping for the 41st Annual King Mango Strut Parade. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com

This story was originally published January 5, 2025 at 5:52 PM.

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