A guide to Galveston's Mardi Gras traditions

By Melanie Nonmacher

Welcome, dear friends and visitors, to our beloved Galveston Island, Texas. It’s an island steeped in history, adorned with architectural gems, and wrapped in the warm embrace of the Gulf of Mexico. Our community is a vibrant, eclectic mix of locals and visitors, young and old, history buffs and beach lovers. But one of the most anticipated times of the year here in Galveston is when we don our masks and beads, and the air fills with music and laughter - Mardi Gras! Yes, Galveston has a rich tradition of celebrating Mardi Gras, a tradition that dates back to 1867, making it the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.

Firstly, the Galveston Mardi Gras is a two-week celebration that starts about two weeks before Fat Tuesday. The island comes alive with parades, balcony parties, masked balls, concerts, and family events. It's an explosion of color and joy, a time when the island's laid-back charm gives way to a festive frenzy. Our Mardi Gras has something for everyone, from the traditional Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade to the family-friendly Mardi Gras Children's Parade.

One of the unique aspects of Galveston's Mardi Gras celebration is the Umbrella Brigade, a tradition that began in 1985. Picture this: hundreds of participants, each dressed in elaborate costumes, dancing down the street, twirling decorated umbrellas to the rhythm of the music. It's a sight that will make you smile and dance along, a sight that is quintessentially Galveston.

Another tradition that sets Galveston's Mardi Gras apart is our beloved Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade Parade. This nighttime event is an opportunity for everyone to participate, showcasing their creativity and spirit. Imagine a parade of illuminated umbrellas, twinkling and glowing against the night sky, set to a soundtrack of upbeat music. It's a truly magical sight, one that beautifully captures the essence of Mardi Gras in Galveston.

Of course, no Mardi Gras would be complete without food and drink, and Galveston's Mardi Gras is no exception. Our local restaurants and eateries pull out all the stops to offer a tantalizing array of Creole and Cajun dishes, from jambalaya and gumbo to crawfish and beignets. And let's not forget the Mardi Gras staple - the King Cake! It's not just a cake, but a tradition, a deliciously sweet symbol of the Mardi Gras season.

So, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, a history enthusiast or a beach lover, we invite you to experience Galveston's Mardi Gras traditions. Don your mask, pick up your beads, grab your umbrella, and join us in celebrating this vibrant, joyous festival. Let's make memories together in Galveston, where history meets beach life, where tradition meets creativity, where Mardi Gras meets the Gulf of Mexico.

Check out the latest articles from all our sites:




F597AB
Please enter the code from the image above in the box below.