From 1867 to 1941, Galvestonians celebrated at the island’s annual Mardi Gras!, the traditional festival that precedes the season of Lent. The happening was then retired until 1985, when local businessman George P. Mitchell, whose sweeping restoration and preservation efforts put Galveston back on the visitor map, revived the event. From its humble origins as a masked ball and theatrical performance of Shakespeare’s King Henry IV, Mardi Gras! Galveston today is a two-weekend extravaganza of parades, parties, live music and more.
“Our Mardi Gras is the third largest in the nation and the biggest party of the year in Galveston,” says Erin Dhonau, event coordinator for Mardi Gras! Galveston. “It is a perfect time for groups to experience the island-style revelry that comes with big concerts, beachfront parades and plenty of beads. Where else can you experience Mardi Gras with sand between your toes?”
Highlights of the show’s 103rd edition, which took place from Feb. 21 to March 4, 2014, included the first-ever extension of the party’s two premier parades—the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade and Krewe of Gambrinus Parades—into Galveston’s Entertainment District, each adding a mile to their traditional routes. Revelers enjoyed more than 20 parades overall, including the opening night procession of more than 2,000 umbrella dancers in the Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade and the 3rd Annual Zaniest Golf Cart Parade.
Looking ahead to Mardi Gras! Galveston 2015 (Feb. 6 through Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17), an ideal way for groups to experience the fun is to book space at one of the many Uptown balcony parties. All of the major group hotels, including Moody Gardens, The San Luis Resort, Spa, & Conference Center, and Hotel Galvez & Spa, offer Mardi Gras! weekend packages for accessing events, viewing parades, attending balls and other experiences.
